Uri, Kashmir :May 9, 2025
On May 9, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in the Uri sector of Baramulla district in North Kashmir, where a woman was killed and four others were injured due to intense artillery fire. The shelling took place near the Line of Control (LoC), where the exchange of heavy weapons between India and Pakistan disturbed civilian life early in the morning. This heartbreaking event once again highlights the danger faced by people living close to the border and the impact of ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.
The firing began around 6:45 AM in the Hajipeer area of Uri, a sensitive location situated near the LoC. Local officials and army sources reported that the Pakistani side allegedly violated the ceasefire and started unprovoked shelling, which was met with a strong response by the Indian Army. In the midst of this cross-border firing, several mortar shells landed in nearby villages, damaging homes and injuring people. One of the shells tragically hit a house where Fatima Begum, a 35-year-old woman, was present. She died on the spot. Four other civilians, including a child and two elderly people, sustained injuries. They were quickly taken to the Government Medical College in Baramulla, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Doctors have said that they are stable but under observation.
A spokesperson from the Indian Army confirmed the ceasefire violation and said, “There was a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Uri sector. Our troops responded strongly. Unfortunately, one civilian died and four others were injured.” Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, stated that relief and rescue operations had begun, and authorities are taking all necessary steps to support the affected families. Temporary shelters and emergency aid are being provided in the area.
Fatima Begum, the woman who died, was a mother of three and a local farmer. Her sudden death has left her family and the entire village in deep shock. Her husband, Bashir Ahmad, shared his sorrow, saying, “We were just getting ready for the day. Suddenly, there was a loud explosion. My wife didn’t even get a chance to run.” Neighbors remembered her as a hardworking and kind person who was deeply loved by everyone in the village.
This is not the first time the Uri sector has witnessed such violence. The region has experienced multiple incidents of cross-border shelling over the past few years, despite the ceasefire agreement signed between India and Pakistan in February 2021. These violations often occur without warning, putting the lives of innocent villagers at risk. Defense experts believe that such violations often increase during political tensions or military operations on either side of the border.
People living near the LoC live under constant fear of sudden attacks. Many face challenges like limited access to medical care, destroyed homes, poor road connectivity, and the inability to go to work or school. Children miss school frequently, and parents fear for their safety. A local teacher, Shabir Lone, mentioned, “Our students are scared. We had just reopened the school after Eid holidays. Now we are again forced to close for safety.”
Following the incident, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has started relief measures. Medical help and food supplies are being provided to the affected families. Emergency camps are being set up, and authorities have promised compensation for those impacted. Security forces have also been placed on high alert in the region to avoid further escalation.
The larger issue behind such shelling incidents is the long-standing tension between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. Though both countries have signed multiple agreements and held many talks, true peace along the LoC remains distant. Civilians continue to suffer due to the failure of diplomacy and trust between the two nations. While Indian officials say that the Pakistani side initiated the attack, there has been no official statement from Pakistan at the time of writing.
There has been no immediate international response to this latest shelling incident. However, global human rights organizations have previously expressed concern over the civilian toll in Kashmir and called for both countries to take meaningful steps toward peace. Some experts believe that third-party mediation could help reduce violence, but the political atmosphere makes it difficult.
Villagers affected by such incidents often express frustration and helplessness. Many say they feel abandoned by the system and are forced to live in fear every day. Nasir Ahmad, a young man from the area, said, “We keep losing our loved ones, homes, and hope. When will this end?” Another local woman added, “We don’t want politics, we want peace. We want to live without fear.”
Authorities have issued safety guidelines to help civilians stay safe during such situations. People are advised to avoid going outdoors during shelling, use underground bunkers if available, stay in touch with emergency teams, keep important documents ready, and follow army and police instructions carefully.The death of Fatima Begum and the injuries to four other innocent civilians serve as a painful reminder of the human cost of conflict. While leaders and governments may talk about security and power, it is ordinary people who suffer the most. This incident once again raises serious questions about the safety and future of border residents. Long-lasting peace and stability in the region are urgently needed. Until that happens, the people of Uri and other LoC villages continue to live with fear, loss, and uncertainty—trapped between two countries in a conflict that seems never-ending.
