Cowardly Act by Pakistan: ADDC Rajouri Among Three Killed in Targeted Shelling

In a shocking escalation along the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistani forces on Wednesday evening carried out intense artillery shelling on civilian localities in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. Among the casualties was Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Raj Kumar Thapa, who was inside his home when a high-explosive round struck. Two other civilians—a schoolteacher and a shopkeeper—also lost their lives in the indiscriminate barrage.

Panic Grips Border Villages as Shells Hit Homes

Residents describe a scene of panic as shells rained down on several villages clustered near the LoC. “We heard the first volley around 6:30 PM,” said local villager Meera Devi. “Families were rushing to basements and bunkers, but there was no time to reach full safety before the next round hit.” Over half a dozen houses were damaged, and windows were blown out for hundreds of meters.

Swift Military Response Prevents Further Civilian Casualties

Security forces responded swiftly, mobilizing local army units and the Border Security Force (BSF) to the area. A senior BSF officer reported that return fire was calibrated to target Pakistani firing positions, preventing further civilian harm. Reinforcements have been deployed, and additional surveillance drones are patrolling the border to deter future attacks.

Leaders Condemn Attack, Promise Justice and Relief

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the shelling as “barbaric” and vowed that those responsible “will be brought to justice.” He announced an immediate relief package for the families of the deceased and pledged accelerated reconstruction of damaged homes and public buildings. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also tweeted his outrage, calling the assault “a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.”

UN Urges Restraint as Diplomacy Struggles to Catch Up

International observers have expressed concern over the renewed violence. A spokesperson for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) urged both sides to exercise restraint and adhere to the 2003 ceasefire understanding. Diplomatic channels between New Delhi and Islamabad were activated late into the night, but no official response has yet been issued by Pakistan’s foreign office.

Border Residents Demand Protection Amid Renewed Tensions

As mourning commences in Rajouri, local leaders are demanding stronger protective measures for border communities. “We live under the shadow of conflict,” said village head Pawan Kumar. “Our pleas for reinforced bunkers and early warning systems cannot go unanswered.” With tensions once again on the rise, the Rajouri shelling stands as a grim reminder of the fragility of peace along the contested frontier.