Pakistan-Provokes,-India-Answers (1)
Photograph: (Representative Image/AFP)

India responds forcefully as Pakistan targets civilians and defence bases with drones and missiles

 

During the night of Thursday, Pakistan tried a multi-fronted attack through drones, missiles, and heavy artillery targeting Indian military camps in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, as well as civilian localities along the LoC and IB. The Indian Defence Ministry reported that the attacks were “swiftly neutralized using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities,” and no casualties were registered at military targets.

But things took a hard turn in border towns such as Uri and Chowkibal Kupwara, where Pakistani shelling martyred one woman and destroyed several houses, leading to large-scale evacuations and panic. In Salamabad village, images captured burned remains of houses and traumatized civilians trying to make sense of the devastation.

 

India Strikes Back: Kamikaze Drones Target Pakistani Defense

 

India did not remain defensive. Going over to the offensive on Thursday morning, Indian military units employed kamikaze drones to attack Pakistani air defense systems, with a confirmed hit at Lahore. The attacks were regarded as a measured reaction to Pakistan’s aggression and a warning against further escalation.

 

Missiles Intercepted; Drone Intrusions Foiled in 15 Cities

 

India’s S-400 missile defense systems, surface-to-air missiles, and the integrated counter-unmanned aircraft systems were engaged to neutralize at least eight missiles launched by Pakistan, which targeted Jammu Airport (Satwari), Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. An additional 15 drones and missile strikes against cities in northern and western India were thwarted effectively.

Blackouts were imposed in the frontier districts of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat as drones were seen entering the country across the border, leading to a prompt security crackdown.

 

Terror Bid Foiled in Samba, Civilian Infrastructure Targeted

 

While Pakistan’s army was engaged in shelling Indian territory, a large-scale infiltration bid by suspected terrorists was foiled by the Border Security Force (BSF) in the Samba district. Officials added that the bid was part of a larger Pakistani plan to open several fronts on the conflict, including regular forces and proxy militants.

 

India’s Political and Diplomatic Response: United, Firm, and Focused

 

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flew to Jammu on Friday to take stock of the situation after failed drone attacks. “Driving to Jammu now to take stock of the situation after last night’s failed Pakistani drone attack targeted at Jammu city and other regions of the division,” he shared on X.

While so, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reaffirmed India’s legitimate right to protect itself from Pakistani aggression and called for cessation of all terror support. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an all-party meeting, asserted that more than 100 hardcore terrorists and their mentors were killed in India’s surgical strikes.

 

Nation on Alert: Civilian Precautions and Strategic Readiness Continue

 

The mounting conflict has caused disruptions in the lives of civilians. 24 Indian airports have caused serious disruptions in the lives of civilians. These Indian airports, which include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Jaisalmer, and Shimla, have been shut down for civilian flight operations. Schools and colleges have been closed throughout Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Bihar, and police leave has been revoked with blackouts persisting across several districts for security purposes.

Pakistan’s irresponsible escalation, attacking both defense infrastructure installations and civilian areas, has invited universal condemnation. However, India’s measured restraint accompanied by robust retaliation demonstrates a strategic stance of deterrence, national security, and readiness for any future misadventure by its aggressive neighbor.