New Delhi [India], May 8 (HBTV): Fifteen innocent civilians have been killed and 43 injured in artillery firing by the Pakistan Army since Tuesday night, as shelling hit civilian areas in Poonch and Tangdhar, defence sources said on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Army targeted residential areas along the border, triggering panic among villagers and damaging several houses.

Following Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan Army continued its ceasefire violations by shelling civilian areas in the border regions of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Officials said the firing shattered window panes, cracked walls, and damaged other civilian infrastructure.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened an emergency meeting with officials to assess the situation in the affected areas.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that the Indian Armed Forces had displayed valour and bravery in Operation Sindoor, taking action against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) with 'precision, alertness and sensitivity'.

Speaking at an event inaugurating 50 Border Roads Organisation infrastructure projects across six states and two union territories, Singh praised the forces for ensuring civilian safety during the strikes.

He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his full support to the armed forces.

India's precision strikes were carried out in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 people dead.

The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor early Wednesday.

Twenty-six people were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. The government had earlier vowed that the perpetrators would face severe consequences.

(ANI)