India strikes Pakistan: Srinagar calm amid escalating tensions

Even as panic grips border areas in north Kashmir following heavy shelling by Pakistan, life in Srinagar remained largely unaffected on Wednesday, with schools and markets functioning normally.

Earlier in the day, Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The strikes were in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that left 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen dead.

“We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” the Army said on Wednesday.

Soon after, Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling in the Baramulla and Kupwara districts along the Line of Control (LoC). At least nine persons were killed and 50 others injured as Pakistani army targeted dozens of forward villages with artillery and mortar fire.

However, the situation in Srinagar remained calm till Wednesday afternoon. Most shops and schools were open.

“It is a normal day today. I went to my shop today as usual,” Shoib Ahmad, a resident of the old city, said. “But people are closely monitoring the developments.”

On the streets of Srinagar, buzz is mostly about the Indian strikes inside Pakistan and POK.

“Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed, anxious about what may come next,” said another resident, expressing hope that tensions do not escalate further.

However, with the possibility of further unrest, many locals have begun stocking up on essential supplies and medicines.

A senior official said that the administration is keeping a close watch on the situation.

J & K