Pakistani Aggression: Jammu & Kashmir Official Killed in Shelling Attack in Rajouri
In a fresh escalation along the Line of Control, Pakistan launched a heavy shelling attack on Saturday morning targeting civilian areas in the Rajouri sector of Jammu & Kashmir. Senior official Raj Kumar Thapa, a member of the Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services, lost his life in the attack.
According to authorities, Raj Kumar Thapa was serving as the Additional District Development Commissioner of Rajouri town. He died after Pakistani forces shelled his residence. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief over the incident on social media platform X. “Extremely tragic news from Rajouri. We have lost a committed officer from the Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services. Just yesterday, he accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister on a district tour. He also participated in an online meeting chaired by me. Today, his residence was targeted in Pakistan's shelling of Rajouri town, resulting in his death. Words fail to express the sorrow and shock over this horrific loss of life. I pray for peace to his soul,” Omar Abdullah stated.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravinder Raina also expressed deep sorrow over Thapa’s death. “He was a courageous officer, known for his friendly demeanor with the public. He served the nation and society with utmost sincerity,” said Raina.
The attack comes amid a broader escalation by Pakistan, which has been targeting residential areas along the northwestern border from Jammu & Kashmir to Rajasthan. Drone strikes have reportedly been aimed at prayer sites as well. In one such attack in Jammu, homes were destroyed and vehicles damaged. Disturbing visuals of the aftermath have emerged from multiple locations, and emergency sirens continue to sound intermittently across several towns.
India’s air defense system has been actively intercepting drones and missiles. Despite Pakistan initiating heavy shelling without provocation, Indian forces are said to be responding effectively. Reports suggest that key elements of Pakistan’s defense infrastructure have been destroyed in the counterstrikes.
“The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert. Aerial threats are being constantly tracked and neutralized using counter-drone systems. The situation is being closely and continuously monitored, and immediate actions are being taken wherever necessary,” stated the Ministry of Defence on X. “Civilians in border areas are advised to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. While there is no need to panic, vigilance and precaution are essential,” the Ministry further advised.