POONCH, May 19, 2025 — In a heartfelt display of solidarity, the Indian Army has launched a door-to-door relief campaign in villages near the Line of Control in Poonch district, which were severely impacted by recent Pakistani shelling. The initiative, led by the Army’s Romeo Force, focuses on delivering essential supplies and emotional support to residents grappling with the aftermath of cross-border hostilities.
The shelling, which intensified following India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, left Poonch as one of the worst-hit areas. At least 13 civilians, including four children, lost their lives, with 57 others injured, and numerous homes and livelihoods were destroyed. Villages such as Khari Karmara, Jhallas, Salotri, Dharati, and Salani bore the brunt, with unexploded Pakistani shells posing ongoing threats until neutralized by Army bomb disposal teams.
Over the past week, Indian Army jawans have been visiting affected households, distributing critical supplies, including medicines and ration packets, to meet immediate needs. Beyond material aid, the troops have engaged with locals, listening to their concerns and offering a reassuring presence during a time of fear and uncertainty. “The Indian Army has played a very important role on the borders and is providing us with relief material. We stand in support of them,” said a Poonch resident, reflecting the community’s gratitude.
The Army’s efforts extend beyond relief distribution. On May 18, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police, bomb disposal squads neutralized 42 unexploded Pakistani shells in Poonch’s forward villages, ensuring civilian safety. This operation was part of a broader clearance drive across border districts, neutralizing over 80 shells in Poonch, Rajouri, Pargwal, and along the International Border.
Local voices underscore the impact of the Army’s outreach. “My daughter was injured in the shelling, and the Army provided her medical assistance. I thank them for their support,” shared another resident. The troops’ interactions have fostered a sense of unity, with locals expressing solidarity with the Army’s efforts to secure the borders.
The ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the United States on May 10, has brought a fragile calm to the region. However, the scars of the shelling remain, with splintered homes and disrupted lives. The Army’s door-to-door campaign, coupled with visits from officials like Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, signals a commitment to rebuilding trust and normalcy.
As Poonch residents begin returning to their homes, the Indian Army’s presence offers hope amid the challenges of recovery. “We pray for the long life of these Army personnel. Just as they are bravely guarding the borders, we stand with them,” said a villager, encapsulating the shared resolve to heal and rebuild.
