Poonch, May 17, 2025: The Indian Army’s Romeo Force has launched a compassionate door-to-door relief campaign in villages along the Line of Control in Poonch district, delivering essential supplies to residents reeling from recent Pakistani shelling. The initiative, targeting communities hit hard by cross-border aggression, underscores the Army’s commitment to supporting civilians in the wake of Operation Sindoor.
From May 15 to 16, soldiers distributed medicines, rations, and other necessities in villages such as Mankote, Shahpur, and Krishna Ghati, which faced intense shelling starting May 7, 2025. The shelling was Pakistan’s response to India’s Operation Sindoor, a military operation targeting terrorist bases after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. The attacks left at least 12 civilians and one soldier dead in Poonch, with homes, schools, and livestock severely damaged.
Abdul Rahim, a Mankote resident, expressed relief: “The shelling destroyed parts of our village. The Army’s rations and medicines have been a lifeline, and their visits give us hope.” Soldiers also engaged with locals to understand their needs, boosting morale in areas still tense after the May 10 ceasefire. “The Army stood by us during the worst days. Their courage and care mean everything,” said a local woman in Shahpur.
The outreach follows reports of widespread destruction across LoC villages, with damaged infrastructure and disrupted livelihoods prompting calls for government aid. The Army’s efforts build on prior relief work, including medical camps in Akhnoor, and align with Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary’s recent visits to affected areas in Rajouri.
Beyond aid distribution, Army bomb disposal teams are clearing unexploded shells in regions like Nowshera to ensure safety. This humanitarian mission reflects the Indian Army’s dual role as defenders and community pillars, fostering resilience among border residents as they rebuild.
