Modi Reviews Border Civilian Safety Amid Continued Pakistan Shelling
Prime Minister holds emergency meet as Pakistan’s shelling kills 13, injures over 50 near LoC
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a high-level meeting to review the worsening security and humanitarian situation along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistani forces have continued unprovoked firing for the 14th consecutive day.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s residence, took place minutes after National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval briefed him on the latest developments in the border areas. Prime Minister Modi later met Union Secretary Govind Mohan to discuss the urgent relocation of civilians living near the LoC to safer areas.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), at least 13 civilians, including children, were killed and over 50 injured in the intense artillery and mortar shelling by Pakistan — a retaliatory response to India’s “Operation Sindoor.” Of the injured, 44 are from the Poonch sector. The MEA said the attacks were arbitrary and unprovoked.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was a precision missile strike by Indian forces targeting nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
Villagers along the LoC reported terrifying blasts of artillery and small arms fire. While many families have fled to safer areas such as Baramulla, others have taken shelter inside their homes, too afraid to move.
The government is reportedly planning to set up temporary shelters and expedite relief efforts. Educational institutions in five border districts have been shut for the second day in view of the growing threat.
Further meetings between the Prime Minister and senior security and home ministry officials are expected as the government steps up efforts to protect civilians and respond to the escalating crisis.