In a tragic escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, an Indian Army soldier, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar of the 5th Field Regiment, lost his life during heavy shelling by Pakistani forces. The White Knight Corps, tasked with overseeing operations in this sensitive region, confirmed the soldier’s death and honored his “supreme sacrifice” in the defense of India.
This incident marks a significant uptick in violence, with reports indicating that the death toll from the recent hostilities has risen to 31, and an additional 46 individuals have sustained injuries. The shelling comes on the heels of India’s Operation Sindoor, which involved precision missile strikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Among the targeted sites were the notorious Gulpur and Kotli camps, associated with militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, known for their involvement in cross-border attacks. This operation was partly in response to the Pahalgam massacre, which tragically took the lives of 26 civilians.
In response to the Indian military operations, the Pakistan Army has launched extensive shelling across various sectors of the LoC, with the Poonch and Rajouri districts suffering the most severe bombardments. Civilian infrastructure has been impacted, resulting in significant damage to homes and other structures. The Indian Army has retaliated with its own fire, reportedly causing substantial damage to several Pakistani military posts.
As concerns for civilian safety grow, the Indian government has initiated the evacuation of residents from high-risk border areas. Security agencies are currently on high alert, and additional forces have been deployed to address the increasingly volatile situation.
The White Knight Corps has expressed solidarity with both the deceased soldier and the affected civilian populations, condemning the deliberate targeting of non-combatants. Meanwhile, Indian leadership continues to assert its commitment to national security while emphasizing the protection of civilian lives.
Amid rising tensions, there is an increasing call within political and defence circles for sustained strategic and diplomatic efforts to confront the ongoing threats from across the border. The situation remains fluid as both sides brace for potential further escalations.
