India has claimed that at least 15 civilians were killed and 43 others injured in intense shelling by Pakistani forces in the Poonch and Tangdhar districts of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The incident reportedly followed India’s airstrikes under “Operation Sindoor” on alleged terror targets inside Pakistan and Azad Kashmir on May 6.

According to Indian officials, Pakistani forces allegedly targeted civilian areas with heavy shelling, damaging homes, shops, and vehicles. Among the dead and injured were women and children. Local authorities stated that rescue operations are ongoing and many of the injured are in critical condition.

Pakistan has strongly condemned India’s airstrikes, calling them an act of war. The Pakistani military has claimed it shot down five Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, although India has not confirmed these losses.

Cross-border fire along the Line of Control (LoC) has intensified, raising fears of a broader conflict. Both sides have accused each other of violating ceasefire agreements, and tensions remain high across the region.

These escalations follow a deadly attack in Indian-administered Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 Indian tourists. India blamed Pakistan for orchestrating the assault—a charge Islamabad has denied. Pakistan has instead called for an independent investigation and pledged full cooperation.

In response to the heightened tensions, both India and Pakistan have partially closed their airspace and reduced diplomatic engagements. The international community, including the United Nations and major world powers, has urged both nuclear-armed neighbours to show restraint and avoid further escalation.