POONCH, Jammu and Kashmir (Diya TV) — In a deeply disturbing incident along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistan Army reportedly launched an unprovoked attack on a Sikh religious site, killing three members of the local Sikh community and injuring several others. The shelling struck the historic Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib, a place of worship with deep spiritual significance for Sikhs in the region.
According to eyewitness accounts and local officials, the attack occurred without provocation and appears to have deliberately targeted civilians gathered at the gurdwara. The victims have been identified as Bhai Amrik Singh, a respected raagi (hymn singer), Bhai Amarjeet Singh, and Bhai Ranjit Singh—all prominent and active figures within the local Sikh community.
Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the region, as residents and religious leaders condemn what they are calling a targeted assault on religious minorities. A graphic video circulating on social media and first reported by The Tribune India shows the aftermath of the shelling.
One particularly harrowing image features a young Sikh child with a severely injured arm, flinching in pain as locals rush to his aid. Witnesses claim the shelling specifically struck areas around the gurdwara during a time of worship, suggesting a deliberate act of aggression.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) issued a strongly worded condemnation, calling the attack “a cowardly and inhuman act by Pakistani forces.” In a public statement, the party urged the Indian government to recognize the slain individuals as martyrs and provide immediate financial support and honors to their families.
“This is not just an attack on a place of worship, but on the dignity of our nation,” said SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal. “The Sikh community has always stood at the frontlines in defending India and will continue to do so with unwavering resolve.”
The attack comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following recent Indian military operations targeting terror camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. Analysts warn that this new act of aggression could further escalate diplomatic and military strains between the two nations.
Security agencies have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, while the local administration has increased protection around gurdwaras and other religious sites across Jammu and Kashmir. Senior government officials are reportedly reviewing intelligence inputs to determine whether the assault on the gurdwara was part of a broader strategic plan or a rogue action.
In New Delhi, opposition leaders and civil rights organizations have joined the chorus of condemnation, calling for Pakistan to be held accountable at international forums for what they describe as a violation of human rights and religious sanctity.
Foreign affairs expert Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Satish Dua told The Indian Express that such attacks, if confirmed, would not only amount to a war crime but also further undermine regional stability. “Targeting a religious site during peacetime violates every norm of international humanitarian law,” he said.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue a formal statement but is expected to raise the matter diplomatically in the coming days.
As the community mourns, preparations are underway for the funerals of the three men who lost their lives in the attack. Memorial services are expected to draw thousands nationwide in a call for peace, justice, and accountability.
