In the tense aftermath of India’s overnight military strikes, senior journalist Tarun Upadhyay from Jammu speaks to The Federal’s Puneet Nicholas Yadav about the situation on the ground along the Line of Control (LoC). With “Operation Sindoor” targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), tensions have escalated, bringing heavy artillery exchange and civilian casualties to Jammu’s doorstep.

Q&A Interview

Puneet Nicholas Yadav: Tarun, there are reports of heavy ceasefire violations and artillery fire in areas like Poonch, Rajouri, and Mendar. What’s the current ground situation?

Tarun upadhyay: Puneet, the situation in Poonch is dire. According to the senior officials I spoke to just minutes ago, 10 people have died in Poonch town alone. Locals are saying they’ve never seen such heavy shelling in their lifetimes. While small-arms fire has been ongoing along the LoC since April 22, this level of artillery fire is unprecedented. In Mendar, one death has been confirmed officially, though some sources mention up to three fatalities. The atmosphere on the ground is one of panic, chaos, and fear.

Also read: Indian military strikes at heart of Pakistan’s terror infrastructure

Puneet: Has the firing stopped now, or is it ongoing?

Tarun: The latest updates from my sources say the firing in Poonch town stopped just about 10 minutes ago, but along the LoC, it’s still continuing.

Puneet: Are local authorities officially confirming the casualty figures? There hasn’t been confirmation yet from the Centre or Defence Ministry.

Tarun: Yes, unofficially, I’ve been told by senior bureaucrats from Poonch that nine or 10 civilians have died in Poonch. Even elders in the area are saying they haven’t witnessed this kind of shelling before.

Also read: How Operation Sindoor marks an evolution in India’s strategic posture

Puneet: Given that there were mock drills scheduled for civil defence today, how prepared were the local authorities and civilians when the strikes began?

Tarun: You know this well, Puneet — the mock drills were cancelled today. People living along the LoC are, unfortunately, used to periodic firing and casualties, and authorities are generally prepared. However, the sheer intensity this time was unexpected. Normally, fatalities are spread over days or weeks; here, we’ve seen a high toll on the very first night. What’s also alarming is that the shelling reached town centres like Poonch and Mendar, not just the LoC.

Puneet: Are people fleeing these regions? What’s the situation with potential displacement?

Tarun: Yes, about 2,000 people have already left the Dutty area of Mendar. I’ve spoken to local drivers who told me people are also rushing towards Jammu. The gravity of the situation is very real.

Also read: Operation Sindoor: How foreign media reported, commented on India’s strike

Puneet: What’s the preparedness in Jammu itself? Are you seeing troop mobilisation or civil defence measures being activated?

Tarun: Absolutely. Troop mobilisation has been underway for the past three or four days. Heavy artillery and even tanks have been moved into border areas, not just Rajouri and Poonch, but also in Jammu district’s Arnia, Araspura, and Bishnah areas. Authorities have been cleaning out old bunkers, people near the International Border have been moving inland, and the J&K government has instructed all deputy commissioners to stay on high alert. Additional funds have been released, and educational institutions across Jammu have been closed in anticipation of further escalation.

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