Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday strongly condemned the shelling by Pakistan on a gurdwara in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, which led to the death of four Sikh civilians.
The incident occurred as part of intense cross-border artillery and mortar shelling by the Pakistan Army on forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC), which left at least 12 civilians dead — including four children — and 57 others injured. Officials said Poonch was the worst-hit district, accounting for all civilian fatalities. Several of the injured remain in critical condition.
The shelling came hours after the Indian Armed Forces launched targeted missile strikes on nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
Expressing deep anguish over the deaths, Chief Minister Mann said Amrik Singh, Amarjeet Singh, Ranjit Singh and Ruby Kaur lost their lives in a ghastly bombardment by Pakistan at a sacred place where prayers are held for the well-being of all.
In an official statement, Mann said, “It is deeply unfortunate and condemnable that Pakistan continues to target innocent civilians in such barbaric acts of violence. The attack on a gurdwara — a symbol of peace and community service — is especially painful.”
The Chief Minister extended his condolences to the bereaved families and urged the Centre to ensure the safety and security of border residents and religious sites.
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