In a heart-wrenching incident that underscores the escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border, two students lost their lives when a shell fired from across the Line of Control (LoC) struck their home near Christ School in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which occurred on the morning of May 7, also injured their parents. Fortunately, the school was closed at the time, averting a potentially higher casualty count.

The Pakistani shelling did not spare religious institutions either. A convent belonging to the CMI congregation sustained damage during the bombardment. However, the nuns residing there managed to escape unhurt by seeking refuge in bunkers.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of cross-border hostilities that have intensified in recent days. India's "Operation Sindoor," launched in retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, targeted multiple terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In response, Pakistan initiated heavy shelling along the LoC, with Poonch bearing the brunt of the assault.

The use of Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones by Pakistan in these attacks marks a concerning escalation in the conflict. Indian defense officials have confirmed that these drones were employed in the recent offensive, which also targeted military installations in Bathinda, Punjab.

The tragic loss of young lives and the targeting of civilian and religious structures have drawn widespread condemnation. Authorities have closed schools and other educational institutions in several border areas as a precautionary measure. The international community continues to urge both nations to exercise restraint and prioritize diplomatic solutions to prevent further loss of innocent lives.

Sources: News Agencies