A senior government officer was killed early Saturday morning when Pakistani forces shelled civilian areas in Rajouri district, escalating tensions in the volatile region. The officer, Raj Kumar Thappa, who served as the Additional District Development Commissioner , was at home when his residence was struck by artillery fire.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief over the loss, noting that Thappa had participated in an online meeting with him just hours before the fatal incident. “Devastating news from Rajouri. We have lost a dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services,” Abdullah stated, highlighting Thappa’s active involvement in administrative duties until his untimely death.
The shelling occurred amid heightened hostilities between India and Pakistan, following a series of cross-border attacks and retaliatory strikes. Tensions have been particularly high since India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted alleged terrorist infrastructure across the border. Pakistan responded with its own military offensive, Operation Bunyanun Marsoos, claiming to target Indian military sites.
The civilian toll has been significant, with reports indicating at least 36 fatalities on both sides, including civilians and military personnel. In Rajouri, the impact has been deeply felt, with local leaders and residents expressing outrage over the targeting of non-combatants.
Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah condemned the violence, stating that “terrorists do not discriminate between their victims, whether they are Hindus or Muslims.” He criticized the prevailing atmosphere of hatred, attributing it to the ongoing cycle of violence. Similarly, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti denounced the killings, accusing the central government of making “bogus claims” about ending militancy in the region.
The incident has also sparked protests and candlelight vigils across Jammu and Kashmir, with various political and social organizations demanding justice and enhanced security measures. Calls have been made for substantial compensation to the victims’ families and for the government to take decisive action to prevent further civilian casualties.
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