On May 9 and 10, 2025, Jammu witnessed a significant escalation in the India-Pakistan conflict, with attacks targeting civilian areas and religious sites like the Aap Shambhu Temple in Roop Nagar. In the early hours of May 10, 2025, a projectile, believed to be a missile or artillery shell launched from Pakistan, struck near the main gate of the Aap Shambhu Temple in Roop Nagar, Jammu. This temple holds deep religious significance for the local Hindu community. The strike caused damage to a nearby house, but fortunately, no casualties were reported at the temple itself. Warning sirens had been activated, reducing the number of devotees present at the time. Jammu Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and forensic teams quickly cordoned off the area, retrieving projectile fragments for investigation. Indian authorities condemned the attack as a “grave provocation,” accusing Pakistan of targeting religious sites to incite communal unrest. The incident heightened fears that the conflict is shifting toward civilian and cultural targets, a dangerous development in the ongoing tensions.
#WATCH | J&K: Strikes have taken place near Aap Shambhu Temple. Jammu Police and other agencies are retrieving projectile fragments. pic.twitter.com/qAkcvFn3Bk
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2025
How Did the Attacks Affect Rehari and Jammu Civilian Areas?
On the night of May 9–10, 2025, Rehari, a densely populated residential area in Jammu, along with other localities like Rupnagar, faced Pakistani shelling and suspected drone attacks. Several houses and properties in Rehari suffered damage due to falling shells and debris, with multiple civilians injured across the affected areas. The shelling caused widespread panic, uprooting trees and scattering debris in neighborhoods. While no fatalities were specifically reported in Rehari, the attacks were seen as an attempt to spread fear by targeting civilian zones instead of military sites. Local officials condemned the deliberate targeting of residential areas, and police, disaster response, and medical teams were deployed to assist. Residents were advised to avoid gathering at attack sites to prevent further harm, as the city remained on high alert amidst ongoing hostilities.
What Is the Broader Context of the India-Pakistan Conflict?
The attacks on Aap Shambhu Temple and Rehari are part of a larger escalation between India and Pakistan, triggered by India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. This operation involved strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Pakistan denied involvement and responded with drone and missile attacks on Indian military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur on May 8, which India neutralized using its S-400 and Ashneer ADS systems. India then launched retaliatory strikes on Pakistani cities like Lahore and Peshawar, leading to further Pakistani attacks on civilian areas. Across Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch districts, the overnight shelling resulted in at least five deaths, including Raj Kumar Thappa, a senior government officer in Rajouri, and a two-year-old child. Pakistan’s stock market crashed amidst these tensions, reflecting the economic strain of the conflict.
What Are the Implications and International Response?
The targeting of civilian and religious sites like the Aap Shambhu Temple marks a troubling shift in the India-Pakistan conflict, raising fears of communal unrest and a broader military escalation. Indian officials have called Pakistan’s actions a “new low,” noting the targeting of temples, gurdwaras, and churches. Pakistan, facing heavy losses, has sought international help to de-escalate, while its leadership vows a military response. The international community, including the U.S., UN, and Gulf Cooperation Council, has expressed concern and urged restraint, with Saudi Arabia and Iran attempting mediation. However, both nations remain on high alert, with ongoing firing along the Line of Control and the International Border. The conflict’s economic impact, particularly Pakistan’s stock market crash, and the risk of nuclear escalation underscore the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address terrorism and mistrust, ensuring stability in the region.
