India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ Sparks Heavy Shelling by Pakistan Troops Along LoC in Poonch, Rajouri

Rapid Summary

• On May 7,2025,Indian armed forces carried out missile attacks on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a response to the Pahalgam terror attack which claimed 26 lives two weeks earlier.
• Targets included terrorist infrastructure sites, such as Bahawalpur-a major base for Jaish-e-Mohammad.Strikes were described as precise and restrained by the Ministry of Defence.
• Following this, heavy mortar shelling was reported from Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri districts.Locations impacted include Krishna Ghati, Shahpur, Mankote (Poonch), Laam, Manjakote and Gambeer brahmana (Rajouri).
• Indian border troops retaliated; cross-border shelling was ongoing at the time of reporting.
• The Indian Army accused Pakistan of violating the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Bhimber Gali while stating its response would be “calibrated.”

[Photo Credit: AP – army soldiers examine building damages near Muzaffarabad caused during missile strikes.]
Read More

Indian Opinion Analysis
The execution of ‘operation Sindoor’ signals India’s focus on holding terror outfits accountable following major attacks like those seen in Pahalgam recently. By targeting known bases such as Bahawalpur tied to Jaish-e-Mohammad operatives, India aims to directly disrupt cross-border terrorism planning at its source.

The fallout has escalated tensions along the LoC with reports indicating ongoing exchanges between both nations’ militaries through shelling, increasing risk for civilian areas along border villages including those hit hardest in Rajouri-Poonch sectors. While India’s calibrated retaliation aligns with its strategic goals amidst ceasefire violations being highlighted repeatedly-the enduring dynamic reveals underlying strains pointing likely larger geopolitical pushbacks internally+ externally debates