Jammu – The Pakistan Army is continuing unprovoked small-arms fire across six sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu — including Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Nowshera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded “promptly and proportionately,” according to Defence PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwal.
The Akhnoor sector has now seen ceasefire violations for seven consecutive days, while exchanges in Poonch and Nowshera resumed after a brief lull. Over the past two weeks, cross-border firing has also been reported in Sunderbani, Mendhar, and the International Border’s Pargwal sector.
Amid rising tensions, border villages are preparing for emergencies. Residents are cleaning and repairing bunkers, and schools are conducting mock drills to train students on how to respond during shelling or attacks. Teachers are instructing children on how to hide under desks, help younger students, and run to bunkers when safe.
Meanwhile, local villagers, especially in Arnia and R S Pura, have raised concerns about inadequate medical facilities and the lack of protection for their cattle during cross-border firing. They are calling for better-equipped hospitals and improved civil defence arrangements to protect both people and livestock in vulnerable border areas.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also directed states to conduct nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7, including training for civilians and students to handle emergency situations.
