As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate dramatically, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised strong objections over the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) recent reimbursement to Pakistan. He questioned how global institutions expect peace when Pakistan continues to unleash devastation across civilian regions in J&K.
“I’m not sure how the ‘International Community’ thinks the current tension in the subcontinent will be de-escalated when the IMF essentially reimburses Pakistan for all the ordnance it is using to devastate Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Tangdhar & so many other places,” Omar Abdullah said in a sharp post on X (formerly Twitter) on May 10.
His remarks came as fresh Pakistani shelling on civilian areas of Poonch reportedly killed the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) on Saturday. The situation further intensified when Pakistan launched a major missile and drone assault targeting the Srinagar airfield.
According to official sources, two Pakistani jets were shot down during retaliatory operations by Indian defence forces. “The hunt is now on to trace the pilots of these downed Pakistani jets,” said sources, though an official confirmation is awaited.
In Jammu, the Rehari residential area was hit, damaging a home and several parked vehicles. Simultaneously, heavy artillery exchanges continued in Rajouri and Poonch districts with Indian forces responding robustly to attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The past few days have seen Pakistan increasing drone activity in J&K, with most aerial threats being neutralised by India’s air defence system. On Saturday morning, two loud explosions were reported in Srinagar, and three more were heard in Akhnoor. Poonch’s Police Lines also came under direct fire; however, no casualties were reported in that instance.
Tragically, religious and civilian structures have not been spared. A gurdwara, a mosque, and a Geeta Bhawan are among several buildings that sustained serious damage. The death toll in the last few days has risen to 16, including women and children, with 59 others injured in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Mendhar, and surrounding areas.
Widespread panic has gripped local populations, prompting mass evacuations from border villages. Markets in Poonch have been shut, while schools and colleges across Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch remain closed. Authorities have announced a total blackout in Jammu since Friday evening.
The situation remains highly volatile. All civil flights from Srinagar airport have been suspended, with the Indian Air Force now in full control of the airbase. Additionally, Haj flights from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia have been on hold for three days due to ongoing military operations.
