Operation Sindoor Fallout Reveals Civilian Areas Were Hit, Contradicting Pakistan's Narrative
Rajouri (Jammu), May 12 – The Indian Army has discovered multiple unexploded shells in civilian-populated areas of Rajouri district, directly challenging Pakistan's assertions that only military targets were struck during its recent retaliatory actions.This development comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a large-scale offensive by the Indian Army launched last week in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. That attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, prompted India to strike nine terror infrastructures across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
In retaliation, Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling, and its official statements claimed the focus was solely on military positions. However, the ground situation in Jammu’s Rajouri and neighbouring Poonch districts tells a different story.
Civilian Toll Mounts in Poonch and Rajouri
Poonch has borne the brunt of the attacks, with 20 out of the 27 reported fatalities occurring there. Over 50 individuals have been injured since the cross-border escalation began on Wednesday.Army units conducting post-bombardment clearance in Rajouri unearthed shells embedded in the heart of civilian zones, casting serious doubts on Pakistan’s denial of targeting non-combatant areas.
Army Responds with Evidence from the Ground
An Army officer supervising the recovery operation said, “As you may have seen in the media, Pakistan has repeatedly claimed that it targeted only military installations. However, you can clearly see here that the shells we are finding have fallen right in the middle of villages, with the entire surrounding area inhabited by civilians.”This on-ground evidence has reinforced India’s position that Pakistan indiscriminately shelled border villages, endangering civilian lives and property.
Rising Tensions Along the LoC
The fallout from Operation Sindoor has significantly escalated hostilities across the Line of Control (LoC), with residents in the border districts of the Jammu region now living in fear amid ongoing threats of cross-border shelling.Officials are continuing clearance operations to neutralize unexploded ordnance and provide relief to affected communities.
The situation remains tense, with India maintaining that its strikes were precise and aimed only at terror infrastructure, while accusing Pakistan of violating international norms by targeting civilian populations in response.
