What prompted the Pakistan Army to escalate artillery fire on the J&K LoC after 'Operation Sindoor'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Operation Sindoor led to targeted strikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan.
- The Pakistan Army has escalated artillery fire along the LoC.
- Three civilians have tragically lost their lives due to indiscriminate shelling.
- Indian forces have emphasized restraint in their military actions.
- Educational institutions in affected areas have been closed to ensure safety.
Jammu/Srinagar, May 7 (NationPress) Following the successful targeting of nine terrorist sites in Pakistan by the Indian armed forces on Wednesday, the Pakistan Army has engaged in heavy mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) for the 13th day in a row.
The Indian Air Force executed strikes on the terrorist locations without breaching Pakistan's airspace on Wednesday, catching the Pakistan armed forces completely off guard at around 1:44 a.m.
In an effort to prevent further escalation, a statement from the defense ministry clarified that no military installations of Pakistan were targeted in Wednesday's operations.
“During the night of 06-07 May 2025, the Pakistan Army engaged in indiscriminate firing, including artillery shelling from posts across the Line of Control and the International Border opposite J&K. Tragically, three innocent civilians lost their lives due to this indiscriminate firing. The Indian Army is responding in a proportional manner,” the defense statement noted.
The three civilian casualties occurred in the Mankot area of Poonch district.
There have also been reports of injuries among civilians due to the shelling, and the injured have been transported to hospitals for medical care.
Confirming the details of ‘Operation Sindoor’, the defense ministry stated, “A total of nine (9) sites have been targeted. Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory.”
“No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has exhibited significant restraint in choosing targets and executing operations. These actions come in response to the heinous Pahalgam terrorist attack where 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. We are committed to holding accountable those responsible for this attack. A detailed briefing on ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’ will follow later today,” the statement added.
The terrorist sites hit by Indian forces include Muridke near Lahore, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“Justice has been served. Jai Hind,” declared the Indian Army in a post on X shortly after executing the strikes under 'Operation Sindoor’.
The targeted infrastructure was identified as a base from which operations against India were planned and coordinated. A press release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed the targeting of nine sites during 'Operation Sindoor' by the Indian Armed Forces.
Just prior to the confirmation of the strikes, the Indian Army shared a video on X, captioned “Ready to Strike, Trained to Win.” 'Operation Sindoor' was initiated 14 days following the terrorist attack in the tourist area of Baisaran in Pahalgam, linked to suspects believed to have connections with Pakistan.
Muridke and Bhawalpur are known to house Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) headquarters, where its leader, Masood Azhar, has historically taken refuge along with senior commanders of the group.
Reports indicate that multiple loud explosions were detected in Muzaffarabad City in PoJK, where numerous terrorist organizations have established training camps and launch pads.
Following the explosions, power was cut off in Muzaffarabad. In addition to Muzaffarabad, Kotli is also known for its terror infrastructure, comprising training camps and launch sites.
Immediately after the terrorist attacks, panic spread across Pakistan and PoJK, prompting announcements from local mosques.
“Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” wrote Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on X after the Indian Armed Forces’ multiple strikes.
Subsequent to the strikes, intense shelling was reported in Krishna Ghati, Bhimber Gali, Lam, Mendhar, and Kupwara sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Since April 24, the Pakistan Army has employed small arms against Indian positions, escalating to artillery shelling on this day to breach the ceasefire in Karnah, Uri, Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor sectors of the LoC.
According to the IAF, Srinagar International Airport has been closed, with no civilian flights operating from there.
The Divisional Commissioner of Jammu has ordered that all schools, colleges, and other educational institutions in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch remain closed for the day, given the current situation.
Similarly, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has mandated the closure of all educational institutions in Baramulla, Kupwara, and Gurez as well.