Amid intense border shelling, fear grips Kashmir as sirens wail

Srinagar, May 9: A wave of fear swept across Kashmir on Friday following intense missile attacks in parts of Jammu and heavy border shelling in Kashmir, bringing daily life in the Valley to a standstill.

The eerie sound of air raid sirens echoed across Srinagar and other towns during Thursday night, prompting a total blackout and driving residents indoors as loud blasts shook the otherwise silent night in border areas of Union Territory.

Streets across Srinagar and other major towns in the Valley wore almost a deserted look by late afternoon. Markets downed empty, traffic was less, and people rushed home amid rising tensions. In several areas, panic buying of essential supplies was reported, with long queues seen outside grocery stores and pharmacies before the blackouts were enforced. “The sirens went off around 9.30 pm, and within minutes, power was cut. It reminded us of the worst days of conflict,” said Altaf Ahmed, a shopkeeper in Srinagar’s Batamaloo area. “People rushed out to buy milk, medicine, and other essentials fearing escalation.”

Sources in the security establishment said that at least three missiles struck military installations in Jammu region Thursday evening. The attacks were followed by intense shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara and Uri sectors, with Pakistani forces targeting forward Indian posts and civilian areas.

A senior army official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We are responding strongly and proportionately. The situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary precautions have been taken to safeguard civilian lives.” In north Kashmir’s Kupwara and Baramulla districts, residents living near the LoC were seen evacuating to safer locations amid relentless shelling. Local administration has kept emergency shelters ready, and ambulances were placed on standby in several high-risk zones.

“People are scared. It’s like war is knocking at our door,” said Zahoor Lone, a resident of Tangdhar. “We haven’t slept properly in two nights. The shelling is too close.” Authorities have confirmed that missile strikes in Jammu and the LoC skirmishes are part of a coordinated assault.

Meanwhile, security has been intensified across the Union Territory, with additional deployments in sensitive areas and increased aerial surveillance. A senior government official in Srinagar told Greater Kashmir that people should remain calm but alert. “Rumors must be avoided, and only official channels should be trusted for information.”

As night fell on Friday, the mood across the Valley was one of anxiety and uncertainty. With blackouts enforced and explosions reverberating in the distance, Kashmiris braced for what many hope will not turn into a larger conflict.