Ran barefeet to save lives, recall Poonch attack victims

A day after intense shelling by Pakistan in Poonch district claimed 13 lives, harrowing eyewitness accounts have emerged, describing how residents ran barefoot to escape the indiscriminate bombardment.

On Thursday, Poonch wore a deserted look as most residents had already migrated to safer locations such as Rajouri, Jammu, and other areas of the Union Territory. Shops and commercial establishments remained shut as the district mourned the loss of lives—cut across communities and faiths.

Mustafa Khatana, 32, a social worker from Mankote, recounted surviving what he described as “a rain of shells.”

“We were sleeping peacefully on Tuesday night when suddenly heavy shelling started from the Pakistani side. Our extended family—around 60 people—lives in the Khatana Mohalla locality of Sagra Panchayat. As soon as the shelling began, we took cover in a nearby safe area,” he said.

Shells were landing nearby with unprecedented intensity, Khatana added. “Many children started crying upon hearing the deafening explosions, but we were helpless. People were so terrified they ran barefoot to save their lives.”

Multiple areas in the district, including Mankote, Mendhar, Thandi Kassi, and Poonch city, came under heavy shelling, leading to casualties and widespread damage.

Surinder Singh, a shopkeeper from Mendhar, said the shelling caused extensive damage to homes and shops. “Most residents have already left. I, along with my family of five—including two daughters—will also head to Jammu soon. The scenes I witnessed will never be erased from my memory,” he said.

Meanwhile, the cremation of Amarjeet Singh, one of the victims of the shelling, was held on Thursday, attended by members of various communities. Emotional scenes unfolded as people demanded decisive action against Pakistan.

Narinder Singh, president of the District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of three members of the Sikh community—Amarjeet Singh, Amrik Singh, and Ranjeet Singh.

“They were devout Sikhs, always active in religious activities. The gurdwara in Poonch city was also damaged in the shelling,” he added.

J & K