Syllabus:Security

• The phrase “All Eyes on Poonch Attack” has gained widespread traction across social media, symbolizing the mounting domestic and international concern over the humanitarian emergency unfolding in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The crisis was sparked by Pakistan’s retaliatory shelling following India’s Operation Sindoor, a targeted counter-terrorism operation launched in response to the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 Indian civilian lives.

Operation Sindoor: The Catalyst

• In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation specifically targeted camps linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
• While India emphasized the non-escalatory and anti-terror nature of the operation, Pakistan’s response escalated tensions significantly. Intense cross-border shelling ensued, with the civilian population of Poonch bearing the brunt.

Pakistan’s Retaliation: Civilian Casualties and Cultural Losses

• Pakistan’s artillery shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) struck multiple civilian areas, with Poonch emerging as one of the worst-hit districts:
• 12 civilians, including women and children, were killed.
• Places of worship—a Gurudwara, mosque, and Geeta Bhawan—sustained damage.
• Schools, markets, and homes were destroyed, displacing hundreds.
• This indiscriminate targeting has drawn sharp criticism, particularly for attacking religious and civilian infrastructure.

Attack on Central Gurudwara: A Tragedy for the Sikh Community

• Among the most devastating incidents was the attack on the Central Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Poonch:
• A raagi (hymn singer) and a granthi (priest) lost their lives.
• The Gurudwara’s outer wall was demolished.
• Several local Sikh traders and bystanders were killed or injured.
• The incident triggered nationwide outrage, with Sikh leaders and human rights advocates condemning the violence and demanding justice and international intervention.

Widespread Civilian Impact

• The shelling also led to:
• The destruction of numerous residential houses, forcing families to seek shelter elsewhere.
• Severe damage to schools, disrupting education for hundreds of children.
• Marketplaces targeted, causing economic paralysis and widespread panic.
• These actions have highlighted the indiscriminate nature of Pakistan’s retaliation and intensified global scrutiny.

Security Response and Ongoing Tensions

• Following the attacks, the Indian Army launched precision strikes on Pakistani military posts across the LoC. Despite calls for restraint, fears of a broader military escalation persist. Experts stress the need for diplomatic channels to prevent further civilian casualties.
• Meanwhile, relief and rehabilitation efforts are underway in Poonch, supported by both government and non-government agencies.

Strategic Importance of Poonch

• Geographic Significance:
• Poonch lies in the Jammu division of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and is bordered on three sides by the LoC, making it highly vulnerable to cross-border hostilities.
• The Pir Panjal range isolates it from the Kashmir Valley, adding logistical and strategic complexity.

Historical and Administrative Background

• Ancient Era: Believed to be linked to Maharishi Pulastya, Poonch was historically known as Dravabhisar, with references dating back to Alexander’s invasion in 326 BCE.
• 19th Century: Came under the Sikh Empire, later becoming a jagir under Dogra rule.
• Post-1947 Partition: The Indo-Pak war of 1947–48 resulted in the division of Poonch between India and Pakistan.

Administrative Structure:
Poonch consists of six tehsils:

• Haveli
• Mandi
• Mendhar
• Surankote
• Mankote
• Balakote
• These are further divided into 11 administrative blocks and 179 villages.

Cultural Mosaic of Poonch

• Demographics:
  Poonch is a religiously diverse district:
• Islam – 44%
• Sikhism – 33%
• Hinduism – 21%
• This diversity has historically fostered communal harmony, which is now under severe strain due to the ongoing violence.

Languages and Culture:

• Local languages include Pahari, Gojri, Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, and Hindi. The region is celebrated for its folk music, festivals, and interfaith traditions, making recent attacks on religious and cultural institutions particularly painful.

Conclusion

• The crisis in Poonch underscores the human cost of geopolitical conflict. While strategic and security imperatives dominate headlines, the spotlight on Poonch must serve as a reminder of the urgent need for de-escalation, humanitarian aid, and protection of civilian life. The global community, too, has a role to play in urging restraint and upholding the values of human dignity, religious freedom, and peace.