Senior J&K Official Killed as Pakistan Targets Civilians After Operation Sindoor

Additional District Development Commissioner Raj Kumar Thappa dies in shelling; Pakistan strikes civilian areas after Indian precision hits on terror infrastructure

Rajouri, May 10 – In a tragic escalation of cross-border hostilities, Raj Kumar Thappa, the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) of Rajouri, was killed early Saturday morning after a Pakistani shell hit his residence, officials confirmed. The attack comes amid a series of retaliatory strikes by Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor.

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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah mourned the loss, saying, “We have lost a dedicated officer of the J&K Administrative Services. Just yesterday, he was with the Deputy CM and attended an online meeting I chaired. Today, his residence was hit during Pakistan’s shelling of Rajouri town. I have no words to express my shock and sadness.”

BJP leader Ravinder Raina called Thappa “a people-friendly officer who served with courage and sincerity.”

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Pakistan Targets Civilians, India Responds with Force

Following India’s targeted precision strikes on nine terror locations linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed on May 7, Pakistan has launched aerial drone raids and heavy artillery shelling on civilian areas, including towns, homes, and places of worship across Jammu & Kashmir.

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Disturbing visuals from Jammu show homes destroyed and vehicles mangled, reflecting the severity of the shelling. Several civilian casualties have been reported.

India maintains that its strikes under Operation Sindoor did not target military sites, instead focusing on verified terror infrastructure while ensuring minimal collateral damage.

Pakistan’s response, however, has disproportionately affected civilians and is drawing international concern.

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Widespread Drone Strikes Across Border States

According to the Defence Ministry, armed drones and aerial threats were detected and neutralised across 26 locations, spanning Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Ferozpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, and others.

In Ferozpur, an armed drone strike injured members of a local family. The area has since been sanitised by security forces.

India has activated its full air defence grid, including Barak-8, Akash, and anti-drone countermeasures to intercept threats. Officials confirmed a high state of alert is being maintained.

“Citizens, especially in border areas, are urged to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement,” the ministry advised, stressing there is no need to panic but calling for increased vigilance.

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India Pakistan conflict, Operation Sindoor, Rajouri officer killed, J&K shelling, Raj Kumar Thappa, Pakistan drone strikes, India retaliation, cross-border shelling, Ferozpur drone attack, Jammu Kashmir civilians, Indian air defence, OperationSidoor,