Woman killed, 4 injured amid intense artillery fire in Kashmir’s Uri

Baramulla, May 9, 2025 — A woman died, and four others sustained injuries in the border town of Uri, Baramulla district, following intense artillery shelling from across the Line of Control (LoC). The shelling began late Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning, devastating civilian areas and raising concerns over escalating tensions.

Shell Hits Civilian Vehicle, Woman Killed

Nargis Bashir, a local woman, was traveling with her family near Mohura village when a shell struck their vehicle. The blast killed Nargis and injured three family members, who are now receiving treatment at Government Medical College (GMC) in Baramulla. Another civilian also suffered injuries in Thajal village due to falling shell fragments.

Witnesses described a loud explosion followed by screams for help. One local resident of Mohura said, “We rushed to the scene but couldn’t do much. It was terrifying.”

Destruction in Uri Sector

The artillery barrage, which began around 11 PM, continued until 4 AM. The intense fire hit areas such as Gingal, Rampur, and Mohura. In Gingal, ten homes were damaged by the shelling. “The ground shook with each blast,” recalled Farooq Ahmad, a local teacher. “We spent the night in our basement, fearing more shells would hit.”

The damage to homes and infrastructure has left many families seeking shelter in safer areas. Residents in some villages near the LoC stayed in underground bunkers or makeshift shelters for protection.

Escalating Tensions Between India and Pakistan

This attack comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. On April 22, militants attacked Indian tourists in Pahalgam, killing 26 people. India blamed Pakistan-backed groups for the attack and launched “Operation Sindoor” to target terror infrastructure across the LoC.

In retaliation, Pakistan began drone and artillery attacks on Indian territories, including Jammu and Pathankot. Indian air defense systems intercepted several drone incursions, but shelling persisted, affecting both military and civilian zones.

Kupwara Also Targeted, No Fatalities Reported

The shelling extended to Kupwara’s Tangdhar sector. Villages like Manzgam, Kralpora, and Chowkibal were hit by mortar shells, causing significant property damage. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported from this region, though several homes were destroyed.

Disaster response teams have been deployed to assist affected families and assess the damage. Emergency shelters have opened in nearby schools and public buildings.

Civilian Casualties Rise in Poonch

Further shelling in Poonch district resulted in the deaths of at least seven civilians, including two children. Thirty-eight others suffered injuries. The Indian Army has confirmed that its forces have been responding proportionately, aiming to minimize civilian casualties while targeting military positions.

Schools Closed, Flights Delayed Amid Heightened Security

In response to the ongoing violence, schools and colleges in affected areas have closed for safety. Flight operations in Jammu and Srinagar were disrupted due to security concerns. The authorities urged citizens to avoid areas near the LoC and remain alert.

Global Calls for De-escalation

The United Nations and several international powers have expressed concern over the rising tensions. They called for both nations to exercise restraint and resume diplomatic dialogue. A UN spokesperson emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and preventing further escalation.

A Community in Fear

For the residents of Uri, the events of May 8–9 mark another dark chapter in a long history of conflict. Despite the destruction and loss, the community remains resilient. “We are used to living with fear, but we still hope for peace,” said Ghulam Nabi, a local whose home was damaged in the shelling.