Civilians from both Indian and Pakistan-administered Kashmir are reeling from the devastating aftermath of recent missile strikes, illustrating the profound human impact of the escalating conflict.
Indian-Pakistani Civilians Share Heart-Wrenching Accounts of Violence After Strikes
Indian-Pakistani Civilians Share Heart-Wrenching Accounts of Violence After Strikes
Testimonies from residents reveal the chaos and fear that followed recent Indian missile strikes in Kashmir, highlighting the human cost of ongoing tensions.
In the early hours of Wednesday, Mohammed Waheed was jolted from sleep by a massive explosion in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir. “Before we could even process what was happening, more missiles struck, causing widespread panic and chaos," he recounted. Waheed's experience is one of many tragic stories shared by residents following Indian missile strikes reportedly in response to a militant attack that killed 26 civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The attack has drawn fiery accusations from India against Pakistan for allegedly supporting militant groups, while Pakistan has denied these claims, insisting on the innocence of its civilians. Following the strikes, Islamabad reported eight civilian fatalities and 35 injuries, while India's military claimed at least seven civilians were killed in cross-border shelling.
Among the casualties is Ruby Kaur from India's Poonch district, who tragically died while preparing tea for her ill husband when a mortar shell struck her home. Her family lamented the lack of community bunkers, forcing residents to stay indoors amid escalating violence. "The heavy shelling on Wednesday morning was something we have never seen so far," her uncle shared.
In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Muhammad Younis Shah reported four missiles targeting an educational complex, leaving behind destruction and fear. Many locals, like Waheed, are grappling with anxiety over the possibility of further attacks. "We're terrified, and we don't know what to do," he expressed, reflecting the urgent need for safety as families left their homes.
Residents from both regions have witnessed the destruction of mosques and other vital structures, causing confusion and despair. Waheed voiced his disbelief over the damage to his neighborhood mosque, emphasizing it was a place of worship and community rather than suspicion.
While Indian officials maintained that their military actions were targeted and measured, the human stories emerging from both sides showcase the extensive emotional and physical toll of the ongoing conflicts in Kashmir.
The attack has drawn fiery accusations from India against Pakistan for allegedly supporting militant groups, while Pakistan has denied these claims, insisting on the innocence of its civilians. Following the strikes, Islamabad reported eight civilian fatalities and 35 injuries, while India's military claimed at least seven civilians were killed in cross-border shelling.
Among the casualties is Ruby Kaur from India's Poonch district, who tragically died while preparing tea for her ill husband when a mortar shell struck her home. Her family lamented the lack of community bunkers, forcing residents to stay indoors amid escalating violence. "The heavy shelling on Wednesday morning was something we have never seen so far," her uncle shared.
In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Muhammad Younis Shah reported four missiles targeting an educational complex, leaving behind destruction and fear. Many locals, like Waheed, are grappling with anxiety over the possibility of further attacks. "We're terrified, and we don't know what to do," he expressed, reflecting the urgent need for safety as families left their homes.
Residents from both regions have witnessed the destruction of mosques and other vital structures, causing confusion and despair. Waheed voiced his disbelief over the damage to his neighborhood mosque, emphasizing it was a place of worship and community rather than suspicion.
While Indian officials maintained that their military actions were targeted and measured, the human stories emerging from both sides showcase the extensive emotional and physical toll of the ongoing conflicts in Kashmir.
