New Delhi– India on Friday sharply criticized Pakistan for targeting religious sites in a recent wave of cross-border shelling, calling the attacks “a new low even for Pakistan” as violence continues along the Line of Control (LoC).
Addressing a special media briefing on Operation Sindoor, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned the Pakistani military for deliberately shelling places of worship, including gurdwaras, churches, and temples in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We have seen the Pakistani side targeting and shelling places of worship with a particular design. This is a new low even for Pakistan,” Misri said.
One of the most devastating incidents took place in Poonch, where shelling from across the border hit a gurdwara, killing several members of the local Sikh community, including the gurdwara’s Ragi (priest). Misri also detailed a separate attack on Christian educational and religious institutions in the same district.
“During heavy shelling early on May 7, a shell fired from Pakistan landed just behind Christ School, run by the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate in Poonch,” Misri said. “Tragically, it struck the home of two students from the school. Both children lost their lives, and their parents sustained severe injuries.”
Another shell hit a convent run by the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel, damaging water tanks and solar panels. Several nuns, priests, school staff, and local residents were forced to take shelter in an underground hall beneath the school. The school was closed at the time, preventing what could have been even greater loss of life.
The Indian Army, reacting to the civilian deaths, issued a strong condemnation of Pakistan’s actions and promised a firm and punitive response.
Pakistan’s shelling continued Thursday night, striking not only military positions but also civilian infrastructure and population centers. India has characterized these attacks as both “provocative” and “escalatory.”
“The official and blatantly farcical denial of these attacks by the Pakistani state machinery is yet another example of their duplicity,” Misri said. “They are sinking to new depths in their campaign of disinformation.”
Tensions along the LoC have escalated sharply in recent days, with India accusing Pakistan of targeting civilians and places of worship in a dangerous new phase of cross-border aggression. (Source: IANS)
