K D Maini
It was a sunny spring day at the glamorous Baisaran Meadow on April 22, 2025, located 7 km from Pahalgam, the famous resort town of Kashmir. This lush green pasture, dotted with multi-colored flowers, was surrounded by a thick forest belt resonating with the whispering of birds. The atmosphere was filled with cool breezes, humble Pooniwalas, and stalls offering sweet, light refreshments.
The charming meadow was bustling with tourists from across the country. They were scattered in groups or with family members, relaxing, singing, dancing, laughing, and enjoying food with joy and delight. Others were wandering around, meeting unknown fellow tourists, exchanging goodwill gestures, and shaking hands with smiles on their faces. Everyone was happy and at peace-innocent, unknown visitors content with the natural beauty, climate, and warm hospitality of Kashmir, truly a paradise on Earth.
These beautiful moments were at their peak when, around 3 p.m., a group of gunmen disguised in army uniforms emerged from the forest and began indiscriminate firing on the tourists. Twenty-six Hindu male tourists were brutally killed after the attackers identified their religion. The entire country was shocked and devastated. At that time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia. He immediately cut short his trip, returned to India, and assured the nation that the terrorist attack would be avenged with full force, promising to reduce terrorist camps in Pakistan to dust.
On May 6, 2025, a peaceful morning dawned in Poonch city, located within 3 km of the Line of Control (LoC). Children were on their way to school, office-goers to work, and traders had opened their shops. The old Poonch Bazaar was full of hustle and bustle, especially with Pahari and Gujjar tribals in traditional attire. Women wearing Tajikistani-style caps sold Rajmash, wild mushrooms, and red chilies, while purchasing clothes and groceries.
In the evening, young residents of Poonch strolled from the historic Shahi Fort toward the Fountain Garden and up to the river bridge. Elderly people relaxed in the riverside park, enjoying the majestic view of the Pir Panjal range.
Later that night, around 8 p.m., the city echoed with drumbeats, firecrackers, and joyful celebrations as wedding processions moved toward the famous Akhara Banquet Hall. After dinner, most of the city’s residents went to bed peacefully.
However, during the night of May 6-7, at around 1:05 a.m. on May 7, the Indian Army launched a 25-minute retaliatory operation named Operation Sindoor-an air strike using missiles and drones targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan. Nine camps were destroyed, including the Bahawalpur camp of Maulana Masood Azhar, the Muridke camp of the Lashkar-e-Taiba headed by Hafiz Saeed, and the Muzaffarabad camp of Salahuddin. Over 100 terrorists were killed. This swift and successful operation was India’s firm response to the Baisaran massacre and fulfilled Prime Minister Modi’s promise to the nation.
Around 2 a.m. that same night, the first artillery shell from the Pakistan side landed in the heart of Poonch city. Citizens were abruptly awakened and shaken. Shelling continued throughout the night. The Indian Army responded and silenced the enemy guns by noon on May 7. However, shelling resumed soon after, affecting Poonch city, nearby villages, and Mankote Tehsil in Mendhar, continuing until May 10.
Renowned broadcaster Pradeep Khanna reported that locals were in extreme distress during these sleepless nights. Shells hit homes, shops, offices, and religious places. Several people lost their lives, others were injured, and significant property damage occurred. The Indian Army retaliated strongly across the LoC.
In a press briefing, the Brigade Commander of the Poonch Brigade said, “We did not wait to react; we were prepared to respond. To that extent, I would say that the Poonch Brigade was not just a part but the heart of Operation Sindoor.”
He added that during those days, the Poonch Brigade shelled 27 Pakistani army installations and destroyed multiple posts, including Polace, Charikot, Raja Top, and Naza Peer. However, the Indian Army refrained from targeting civilian areas in Pakistan such as Kahuta (12 km north), Bandi Gopalpur (13 km from the LoC), and Hajari Town.
Although the Indian government did not intend to escalate the conflict, continued shelling from Pakistan led the Indian Air Force to strike seven Pakistani airbases-including the Nur Khan base near Islamabad, and bases in Lahore and Sargodha-on May 8 and 9. These operations compelled Pakistan to request a ceasefire on May 10.
Despite the crisis in Poonch city, surrounding villages, and Mankote Tehsil between May 7 and 9, the District Administration of Poonch played an active, prompt, and commendable role. Youth leader Dr. Uday Paul Sharma stated that Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal and his team maintained close contact with the public, established 12 relief camps at Mandi, Sathra, Chandak, Surankote, and the Pahari Hostel, kept medical institutions open, arranged ration supplies and necessary items, and ensured timely relief measures.
The role of Senior Superintendent of Police Shafqat Hussain and DSP Neeraj Sharma, under the overall guidance of DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range, was equally praiseworthy. They provided crucial support to citizens during these difficult times.
The Muslim population played a highly constructive and cooperative role. Religious leaders such as Maulana Syed Habib and Farooq Misbahi acted as bridges between communities. Political leaders like MLA Ajaz Ahmed Jan (Haveli), Jahangir Mir, and Chowdhary Abdul Ghani were actively involved in relief efforts. Patriotic Muslim families near the LoC fully supported the defense forces. This strong Army-Awam relationship greatly helped in national defense.
On the other side, youth leaders like Nishu Gupta, Pardeep Sharma, Master Khattar Paul, and President of Gurudwara Singh Sabha Poonch maintained effective communication with the administration to address public concerns.
In this atmosphere, on May 12, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Poonch, met with the affected people, assessed the damages, monitored relief measures, and assured the public that all efforts would be made to restore normalcy. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also visited Poonch along with the Chief Secretary, reviewed the relief operations, and appreciated the sincere efforts of the district administration during the crisis.
Home Minister Amit Shah, along with the Lieutenant Governor and Home Secretary, visited Poonch on May 30 to review the situation. He met affected families at Dak Bungalow Hall, extended full support for rehabilitation, and distributed appointment letters to the next of kin of civilians killed in the shelling between May 7 and 10. He announced the construction of more bunkers near border areas for civilian protection and ordered an assessment of property damage to facilitate a special relief package. While visiting the affected religious sites such as Gurudwara Singh Sabha and Sanatan Dharma Sabha, he assured the people that the Central Government would take all necessary measures to restore normal life in Poonch district.
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