What Caused Panic in J&K's Srinagar and Akhnoor Areas?

Srinagar/Jammu, May 10 (NationPress) Fear enveloped the regions of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the city of Srinagar and the Akhnoor area, on Saturday as tremendous blast-like noises echoed, compelling early morning walkers to hastily retreat to their homes. This occurred alongside a night of intense shelling by the Pakistan Army in civilian sectors of Poonch and Rajouri districts, inflicting significant damage.

A statement from the Defence Ministry highlighted, "Drones have been detected at 26 sites along the International Border and Line of Control with Pakistan, including suspected armed drones."

"These sites span Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet, and Lakhi Nala."

"Unfortunately, an armed drone targeted a civilian area in Ferozpur, injuring members of a local family. Medical assistance has been provided to the injured, and security forces have secured the area."

"The Indian Armed Forces are on high alert, actively monitoring and responding to any aerial threats using counter-drone technologies. The situation is closely observed, and immediate action is taken whenever necessary."

Residents, particularly in border areas, are urged to stay indoors, minimize unnecessary movement, and adhere strictly to safety directives from local officials. While there is no cause for alarm, heightened awareness and caution are vital.

In parallel, overnight artillery fire from the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri districts, as well as other bordering areas of Jammu, has resulted in substantial damage to civilian properties.

Reports indicate a barrage of artillery and mortar shelling targeting civilian locales in Poonch and Rajouri, with explosions audible near the LoC.

On Friday, the Police Lines in Poonch faced a direct attack, although there were no reported casualties from the Indian side in that incident.

Structures such as homes, educational institutions, and places of worship—including a gurdwara, a mosque, and a Geeta Bhawan—have suffered significant damage.

Tragically, in recent days, at least 16 innocent individuals, including women and children, have lost their lives, with 59 others injured across affected regions, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Mendhar.

This shelling has incited widespread fear, prompting thousands to evacuate to safer locations.

Markets in Poonch have closed, and schools in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch have been shut down. Authorities have mandated the closure of schools, colleges, and universities in Jammu and Kashmir until May 12.

All civilian flights from the Srinagar airport have been halted as the Air Force has assumed control of the airfield. Additionally, Haj flights from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia have been suspended for the past four days.