India Slams Pakistan Over Attacks on Places of Worship
"Government Declares: Desecration of Religious Sites in India Hits a New Low"
In an explosive allegation, Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting religious sites along the border in Jammu and Kashmir, specifically gurudwaras, convents, and temples, as part of its shelling campaign.
Misri's claim comes after intense shelling on May 7, 2025, in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, where a gurudwara was attacked, resulting in the deaths of three members of the Sikh community. In addition, a Pakistani shell narrowly missed a Christian school, damaging a convent belonging to the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, causing further damage to places of worship.
The Indian government considers these attacks a new low, especially considering Pakistan's historical tactics and the intentional nature of these incidents. This aggressive behavior is deemed consistent with Pakistan's pattern of deceit, as they seek to disown their acts of aggression and mislead the world.
Regarding Pakistan's claims that New Delhi was targeting Indian cities, including Amritsar, Misri called it a "deranged fantasy." Pakistan's allegations against India of attacking its own cities were swiftly dismissed as well.
The attacks have caused the deaths of at least 16 civilians and injuries to 59 others in that period, including children. India calls on the international community to recognize Pakistan's role in escalating tensions through such attacks and disinformation campaigns.
In a recent disinformation campaign, Pakistan claimed India targeted the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara through a drone attack—another blatant lie in Pakistan’s attempt to give a communal hue to the situation with the intention to create discord. India stays strong and unafraid in the face of these malicious attempts to sow discord.
On May 8, 2025, Pakistan attempted to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur and several other locations with missiles and drones. India countered these attempts using advanced missile systems, including the S-400 Triumph, Barak-8, Akash surface-to-air missiles, and DRDO's anti-drone technologies.
As a precautionary measure, blackouts were enforced in several cities across Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to safeguard against possible air strikes. India remains vigilant and prepared to protect its citizens and territories from any further aggression from across the border.
- The foreign secretary of India, Vikram Misri, held a briefing to discuss war-and-conflicts, focusing on the damaging attacks on places of worship in Kashmir, specifically targeting gurudwaras, convents, and temples.
- During a discussion on general news and politics, India accused Pakistan of using crime-and-justice tactics and deliberate targeting of religious sites as part of its shelling campaign.
- To counter Pakistan's allegations, Indian officials denied claims of attacking their own cities, such as Amritsar, deeming them a "deranged fantasy."
- In response to Pakistan's misleading claims about India attacking a Sikh holy site, the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara, through a drone attack, India stood firm, dismissing it as another instance of Pakistan's attempts to give a communal hue to the situation and create discord.
