Even after a year has passed, that dark night of bloodshed, screams, and devastation continues to haunt the inhabitants of the border town of Poonch in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The horrific eight hours during the intervening night of May 6 and 7, 2025, claimed the lives of 14 civilians, including four minor children.
On the night between May 6 and 7, when Pakistan, in a fit of panic, targeted civilian areas following “Operation Sindoor,” this peaceful town witnessed a tragedy whose echoes still resonate in every street, every home, and every heart.
“Exactly a year has passed since that horrific incident, but the wounds of the people of Poonch remain fresh,” said advocate Ronik Sharma, a social activist, while speaking to The International Business Times.
“Before dawn on May 7, 2025, the Pakistani Army suddenly attacked Poonch town with heavy artillery. This barbaric shelling took the lives of 14 unarmed and defenceless civilians, including four innocent children. Even after a year, the horror and pain of that day remain fresh in the hearts of the residents,” he added.
“A year has passed, but many promises made to the people of Poonch are yet to be fulfilled,” he said, expressing regret that no steps have been taken to construct bunkers in the town, which bore the maximum brunt of Pakistan’s unprovoked shelling.
“It is a failure on the part of the district administration to project this demand before higher authorities. The Union Government had announced the construction of bunkers in areas falling within Pakistan’s firing range,” he said, adding, “the demands for bulletproof ambulances and the establishment of a trauma centre are also yet to be fulfilled.”
14 unarmed civilians lost their lives in Pakistani shelling
Pakistan’s shelling of unarmed and defenceless civilians was a brutal assault on humanity. This barbaric attack claimed the lives of 14 innocent civilians, including four children. Their dreams, smiles, and futures were snatched away in an instant. Many families were shattered forever—some lost their sons, some their fathers, and some their entire world.
Even today, when people speak about that night, their eyes well up with tears and their voices choke with emotion. “We want to forget that night, but every loud noise, every siren takes us back to that terrifying moment,” Sharma said.
The fear remains palpable among children even today—they flinch at loud sounds, while the elderly struggle to sleep peacefully at night.
Poonch, which has long been an example of communal harmony and brotherhood, was shaken to its core that day. The town has been known not only as a border area but also as a symbol of unity and trust among different communities. However, this inhumane action has deeply scarred that sense of security.
Many houses were reduced to ruins after the attack. Bullet marks on the walls still bear silent witness to that night. Several families are forced to live in temporary shelters. While the government and administration have made efforts toward relief and rehabilitation, nothing can compensate for what was lost.
This attack was carried out in response to India’s targeted action against terrorist infrastructure, but Pakistan, displaying cowardice, chose to target innocent civilians. The incident once again highlights how civilian populations bear the brunt of cross-border hostilities.
Even after a year, fear and insecurity are clearly visible on the faces of the people of Poonch. Yet, despite this fear, their resilience remains strong. Locals say, “We will not be intimidated. We will not break. We have lost a lot, but we will stand firm for our land and our existence.”
Today, as Poonch marks the first anniversary of that dark night, the entire town remembers its lost loved ones with tearful eyes. Prayers are being offered in mosques and temples. There is pain in every heart, but also a collective resolve—to uphold peace, unity, and brotherhood.
Poonch still stands today—wounded, certainly, but with its spirit unwavering. The people here have learned to live with pain, but the story of that night will continue to remind future generations of the true cost of war and violence.
This is not just the story of one town but of all border regions where people live each day under the shadow of uncertainty and fear. That dark night in Poonch has been etched into the pages of history—as a wound that may fade with time but can never be completely erased.
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