Rising Tensions Leave Ordinary Indians Anxious Amid Kashmir Conflict

Anxiety is widespread across Kashmir and other parts of India within reach of Pakistani weaponry—and even beyond those areas.

Since earlier this week, Pakistan has launched artillery attacks targeting the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, a broader expanse of India, stretching from Kashmir in the north to the western desert cities of Jaisalmer and Bhuj, is reportedly vulnerable to Pakistani drone strikes and missile launches.

In Poonch, located six miles from the contested 'line of control' separating Indian and Pakistani-administered Kashmir, Narinder Singh, a retired school principal, reported that 13 people have lost their lives since India initiated Operation Sindoor. This operation was launched in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22.

Mr. Singh noted that while Pakistani shelling has occurred in the Poonch district before, the intensity and frequency within Poonch town itself are unprecedented. "Five of my neighbors have been killed by shrapnel over the past three days," he said. He added, "I can't recall such heavy shelling even during the 1971 war."

According to Mr. Singh, most shops in the town have shut down, with only medical and grocery stores remaining open. By Friday, the shelling intensified once more, amplifying the prevailing fear among residents. However, no fatalities occurred during the latest bombardments as people had taken refuge in safer locations and adapted their safety measures.