Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday expressed serious concerns over the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) economic aid to Pakistan, saying that such a move could further escalate the existing tension in Indo-Pak relations instead of easing it.
In a posting on social media site X, Abdullah said, "I do not know how the 'International Community' expects the current tension in the subcontinent to be de-escalated while the IMF essentially pays Pakistan back for the entire ordnance with which it is laying waste to Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Tangdhar & so many other locations."
His comments were made in the wake of continued cross-border hostilities, where heavy shelling by Pakistan killed the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) of Poonch on Saturday.
A big missile or drone attack was launched by Pakistan on the Srinagar airbase, according to official sources. The Indian Air Force retaliated with alacrity, downing two Pakistani aircraft over the area. Attempts are presently being made to trace the pilots of the crashed jets, but official word is still awaited.
Separately, Pakistan targeted the Rehari locality in Jammu, striking a residential building and several cars parked adjacent.
Early on Saturday witnessed ongoing artillery battles along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch and Rajouri sectors. Indian troops are reported to be responding actively to Pakistan's shelling, which has targeted civilian infrastructure for the most part.
For the third day in a row, Pakistani drones have tried to target different places in J&K, the majority of which were shot down by India's Air Defence Systems. Two big explosions were heard in Srinagar, and three more intense blasts were heard in Akhnoor, a town in the Jammu district.
Poonch Police Lines were also targeted, though no casualties were reported in that specific attack. Nevertheless, major damage has been caused to civilian residences and public structures, including religious sites like a gurdwara, a mosque, and a Geeta Bhawan.
Casualties keep mounting, with at least 16 civilians, including women and children, killed and 59 injured in the areas of Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Mendhar.
The growing violence has unleashed uncontrolled fear, and thousands of residents have had to abandon their dwellings for safer areas. Poonch business activity has been stalled, and schools continue to be closed in multiple districts, such as Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch.
A total blackout was imposed in Jammu on Friday night. Schools throughout J&K have been instructed to close down until further notice, with a review of the situation to take place on May 12.
In the midst of increasing tensions, civilian air traffic to Srinagar airport has been suspended with the Air Force taking over operations. Consequently, Haj flights from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia have been grounded for the last three days.
