For several days, residents on both sides of the shaky border between India and Pakistan, where Kashmir’s ongoing conflict unfolds, braced themselves for possible military action.
This tension escalated after India accused Pakistan of contributing to a terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 people. Locals could sense that clashes might erupt at any moment.
In Indian-administered Kashmir, villagers readied their bunkers and stockpiled supplies. Around 1 a.m. Wednesday, the earth shook ominously as missiles were launched, signaling that India had initiated attacks in Pakistan.
In a village in the Pulwama district, residents reported seeing something resembling an aircraft crashing to the ground. Firefighters rushed to contain the ensuing blaze.
Officials did not confirm whether this was indeed a military aircraft. However, witnesses described a loud explosion around midnight, coinciding with the sound of a fighter jet overhead.
“It felt like thunder,” one resident recalled. “When I looked outside, there was a gigantic fireball.”
The ensuing firefight between Indian and Pakistani forces erupted shortly after along the de facto boundary of Kashmir. Several villages in the Indian districts of Kupwara, Poonch, and Rajouri came under mortar fire, prompting local authorities to evacuate those living near the border.
This overnight shelling has triggered widespread panic, leading many to flee to safer areas.
Waheed Ahmad, a resident of Choukibal, described the chaos: “When several cannon shells hit, it was complete mayhem. Many families escaped into the night while officials evacuated others. The artillery fire ceased by morning, but people were still terrified, and authorities advised against returning home.”
On the Pakistani side, locals reported that India’s strikes came without any prior warning. Mobarak Ur Rehman, a student at Kotori University, shared that his area was struck as they remained vigilant, although the attack surprised them.
He recounted waking up to a tremendous boom, witnessing an explosion and bright light while smoke billowed around him. “Women and children started crying as four missiles targeted buildings in Kotori city,” he said.
He continued, “After the four strikes, it seemed to quiet down for a moment, but then the mortar fire commenced. We endured a night filled with terror.”
Khizer Abbas, who lives in Kotli, mentioned being kept awake all night by continuous explosions and crossfire. He reported that two children were lost in an Indian attack.
“It feels like we’re in a war zone, with civilians bearing the brunt,” he said. “How can anyone possibly rest in such conditions?”
Jawad Ahmed Pallas from Neelam Valley said the firing has persisted since the initial strike, leaving those near the border terrified for their lives.
“We heard a massive explosion echoing through the valley since India’s airstrike,” he said. “It woke everyone up and instilled fear. I can’t predict what will happen next. No one who built bunkers has experienced this level of firing in over 20 years.”
On Wednesday, heavy artillery bombardment continued across control lines, forcing thousands to evacuate or seek refuge in bunkers and basements. India reported that exchanges of artillery fire killed at least 12 individuals on its side, with at least five deaths confirmed in Pakistan.
Mohammad Mash, a resident of Poonch in Indian-controlled Kashmir, expressed concern over destroyed homes and warned of potential widespread devastation if the violence between India and Pakistan continues.
“We implore both the Indian and Pakistani governments to end this madness,” Mash said over the phone. “Innocent lives are brutally lost. We deserve to live in peace. Enough destruction and loss of life has already occurred.”
As he readied his family for another dangerous night in the bunker, Mash added:
