Cross-Border Shelling Wreaks Havoc in Rajouri, Kupwara and Baramulla Sectors, Hundreds of Structures Damaged Post Operation Sindoor
Srinagar, May 15, KNT: Intense cross-border shelling following the launch of Operation Sindoor by Indian forces has caused widespread destruction in the frontier sectors of Tangdhar in Kupwara and Uri in Baramulla district of North Kashmir, leaving hundreds of families reeling under loss and fear.
In the Tangdhar Sector of Kupwara, officials and locals confirmed that at least 20 residential houses were fully damaged due to heavy shelling from across the Line of Control (LoC). In addition, 40 shops, 2 school buildings, 10 cow sheds, and one Islamic seminary were also destroyed.
Moreover, nearly 100 other residential houses sustained partial damages as the shelling continued for several days, forcing many to flee or take shelter in makeshift bunkers.
Locals said the shelling came without warning and continued intermittently, leaving little time for evacuation. “We have suffered immense loss. Roofs have collapsed, walls are cracked, and our livestock shelters are gone. Many families are now without a roof over their heads,” said a local from Tangdhar.
Similar scenes unfolded in the Uri Sector of Baramulla district, where residents reported that over 400 houses, 8 shops, and 2 mosques were damaged in the barrage of shells that rained on the area. Eyewitnesses said that some shells landed directly inside residential premises while others exploded on rooftops, spreading panic across the densely populated villages close to the LoC.
“We were inside when a shell hit our rooftop. The entire house shook, and the windows shattered. We ran for our lives and stayed the night at our neighbour’s home which has a concrete shelter,” said a resident of Uri.
Local officials are currently assessing the extent of the destruction and are expected to submit a comprehensive report to the administration for compensation and relief.
Intense cross-border shelling in the Nowshera Sector of Rajouri district also caused significant damage to civilian properties and livestock, triggering panic among the border residents.
Local confirmed that, 33 residential houses were damaged across several villages, including Larooka, Kukerni, Shermakri, Bhawani, Sarrya, Kalsian, Manpur, Naunihal, Hanjana, Charyala, Kalal, Deeing, Khari, Mangiote, Kalayi, Sayal, and Bari Batan. Many homes have sustained cracks in walls, shattered windows, and damaged rooftops as a result of the continuous shelling over the past few days.
The agricultural and livestock-rearing communities in the region have also suffered heavy losses. Reports confirmed that 20 animals perished and at least 38 others were injured as mortar shells struck open fields and cowsheds. Several cattle were trapped under the debris when structures collapsed due to the blasts.
Locals say the shelling began without warning, leaving many residents scrambling for safety. “We were living in fear. The shells hit our fields and homes, killing our animals and damaging property. There was nowhere to go,” said a resident of Kalal village.
The district administration has begun assessing the extent of the damage, and efforts are underway to provide temporary shelter and compensation to the affected families. Officials are also coordinating with veterinary teams to treat the injured livestock.
Meanwhile, villagers have appealed to the government to expedite the construction of community bunkers and ensure immediate relief to those impacted. [KNT]
