Minutes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a knock-out punch declaring that "India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail," during his maiden address to the nation after launching Operation Sindoor, a swarm of drones was intercepted in Jammu and Kashmir's (J and K) Samba district amid a blackout on Monday.
According to ground reports, similar sightings of drones were reported from the neighbouring district of Kathua along the International Border. Chaos prevailed in the Nud area of Samba, dotted with several security installations, soon after the enemy drones were spotted. A marriage function was also disrupted as guests ran for cover without eating dinner.
Meanwhile, intermittent firing was also reported along the line of control in the Pargwal and Keri Battal area of Akhnoor. Till the time of filing the report, the drones were being engaged by the Indian Air Defence system. Sources claimed drone sightings were also reported from Udhampur and other parts of the Jammu region. The Indian Armed Forces have been maintaining a tough posture and effectively dealing with the threat from across the border.
On the other hand, thousands of border residents, spending sleepless nights in the makeshift camps for several days, heaved a sigh of relief after the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan arrived at a broader understanding of considering immediate measures to ensure troop reduction from the borders and forward areas on Monday. These border residents are expected to return to their homes and hearths as soon as possible. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who visited the worst-affected district of Poonch, said those who had left their homes can return as a military understanding between the two countries is in place now. "They (border residents) should now try to return to their homes. Eighty to 90 per cent of Poonch town is vacant. They had left their homes when the shelling was taking place. Now that the shelling has stopped, they can return to their homes," Abdullah told reporters after meeting members of the civil society and victims of Pakistan shelling in Poonch. Omar also emphasised the need for setting up bunkers in the region.
Abdullah described the recent escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) as a "war-like" situation, with Poonch district suffering the heaviest shelling.
"For the last three-four days, there was a kind of war-like atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir. Among all the areas that faced the brunt of the cross-border shelling, Poonch was the worst affected," he said.
Abdullah emphasised the need for preparedness to prevent future casualties. "If such a situation arises again, we must ensure that such a loss of lives does not happen. We have received several constructive suggestions from the civil society, and we will begin working on their implementation," the chief minister said.
Abdullah said the administration in all the affected districts - Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora - have been directed to assess the structural damage and submit reports for compensation.
"Our priority so far has been saving lives, but now that the ceasefire is in place, assessments will begin and relief will follow. As per the proforma, we will give compensation," he said.
In Kashmir valley,residents of villages close to the LoC who were forced to flee due to heavy shelling by the Pakistani military started returning home on Monday.
They started their journey back to their villages after bomb disposal squads cleared the residential areas of any leftover or unexploded shells, officials said.
