Within the early hours of Wednesday, quickly after India struck 9 websites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Pakistani forces started an intense bout of shelling throughout the Line of Management. Officers say 16 civilians, together with 5 kids, have died within the barrage of artillery fireplace the likes of which they haven’t witnessed for the reason that 1971 struggle.
The shelling additionally hit a spot of worship, an academic establishment, a forest division workplace and a bus stand.
“There was not the case even through the Kargil struggle. We at all times believed Pakistan intentionally averted concentrating on town of Poonch. This time, Pakistani forces made no distinction between gurdwaras, temples and mosques. Qari Mohammad Iqbal was killed simply close to my dwelling,” mentioned Surjan Singh, referring to the demise of a madrasa instructor.
Iqbal was standing in entrance of the Jamia Zia Ul Uloom Madrasa when a shell struck and killed him.
Surjan had a detailed shave when his home was hit by a shell, however his cousin Amarjeet Singh died within the incident. Amarjeet, an ex-Armyman, was sleeping close to Surjan when the shell struck. He was struck by shrapnel and fatally wounded.
Surjan wonders if life will ever be the identical.
Story continues under this advert
One of many shells struck a household dwelling within the Dungus space, killing 14-year-old Zoya Khan and her brother, 12-year-old Zain Khan. Their father, Rameez Khan, was injured. Two siblings of the identical age from one other household, Ayan Khan (14) and Aruba Khan (12), have been additionally killed within the shelling.
“My pal Rizwan misplaced his kids, Ayan and Aruba, when a shell struck his automobile. He’s hospitalised,” mentioned resident Harcharan Singh (50), who stayed again in Poonch whilst hundreds have been evacuated.
He mentioned that though individuals knew that they have been within the direct line of fireplace of Pakistan Military posts positioned on larger grounds, there was at all times the assumption that the civilians wouldn’t be focused. “That perception was shattered on Wednesday,” Harcharan mentioned.
When the shelling stopped on Wednesday afternoon, the exodus started. Lots of those that left went to Surankote, Mandi or far-off Jammu metropolis. Within the absence of public transport, individuals have been seen carrying baggage on their heads and strolling in the direction of Surankot.
Story continues under this advert
Native resident Ajaz Kazmi mentioned there wasn’t sufficient cash in ATMs, inflicting extra issues for these leaving.
Khalil Ahmed Bandey, a 70-year-old retired forest official, left his dwelling in Ward No. 10 and went to Surankote together with his household, together with his daughter and her two minor kids.
Bandey was at school 10 through the 1971 Indo-Pak struggle, throughout which he and different native youths went to Khanpir to help Indian troops in driving Pakistani infiltrators out of the realm. For his contribution, he was given a commendation by the Military.
His shut relative, Saima Qazi, mentioned that in Wednesday’s shelling, the household stayed huddled in a room, praying. A shell had fallen on a home proper subsequent to theirs. His daughter and grandchildren had come to go to him from Bhopal simply two days earlier.
Story continues under this advert
Whereas individuals have briefly evacuated Poonch up to now too, many are actually contemplating completely shifting elsewhere. “This time, civilians got here underneath direct shelling. We not have the boldness that we are able to stay safely after returning,” mentioned M D Anwar, a resident.