Headline: Uri, North Kashmir: Exodus of Residents Fleeing Intense Shelling by Pakistani Forces
Shelling Intensifies from Pakistan: A Quiet, Deserted Uri as Residents Flee to Safer Locations
Families and kids, laden with meager belongings, can be seen streaming towards secure havens, particularly Boniyar and Baramulla towns. The border town of Uri in North Kashmir, once vibrant, now stands empty, with almost every shop shuttered and the population taking refuge in safer locations. The haunting silence that echoes through the streets is a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of this bustling town.
The relentless shelling from Pakistan has taken the sparkle out of Uri, a town that has endured its share of strife over the years. This latest shelling began on the night of May 7, 2025, following India's Operation Sindoor, setting off a chain of devastation in Uri and the surrounding areas. The artillery, mortar, and gunfire attacks have inflicted significant damage and caused civilian casualties [1][5].
Families in villages like Razarwani and Gingal have suffered losses, with Gingal reporting ten houses destroyed [1]. The shelling that started around 9 PM on May 8 and continued through the night into early morning has been described by locals as the worst in two decades [1]. In the wake of this unrelenting onslaught, a significant portion of the local populace – around 80% – has left Uri for safer towns [1].
The intensified violence has resulted in tragic casualties within Uri, with at least one woman reported killed and three others injured [1][2]. Since the escalation, the total number of civilian fatalities in Indian-administered Kashmir has risen to at least 17, with numerous injuries reported [2]. The fear and panic caused by the shelling have extended to neighboring towns such as Rajouri and even the city of Dharamsala, where public events have been evacuated [2].
To mitigate the crisis, Indian authorities have implemented heightened security measures, warnings for civilians to remain indoors, and air raid sirens in the affected areas. Schools are temporarily shuttered as a precautionary measure [3]. Security has also been beefed up at major transportation hubs and public landmarks in anticipation of further escalation [3].
On the military front, India has engaged in defensive and retaliatory operations, launching missile strikes on Pakistani locations, which are characterized as measured responses to the terrorist incidents in the region as well as the ongoing shelling [3][5]. Local administrative efforts include managing evacuations, distributing aid, and addressing the humanitarian needs of displaced populations, despite reports of shortages of food and shelter in some affected areas [5].
In a bid to provide relief to the affected families, J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha inspected Lagama village in Uri and offered words of assurance [6]. Sinha also instructed the deputy commissioner of Baramulla to provide transportation for families vacating from affected areas. Government officials, including two J&K ministers and the local legislator, have also visited Uri to assess the situation [6].
For many survivors, life in Uri has forced them to confront the harsh reality of living under constant threat. Locals like Hakim ud din Choudhary, who is in his late 70s, recall the decades-long turmoil they have endured, expressing helplessness as they stand facing yet another crisis without protection or refuge [1].
As the conflict continues to rage, the people of Uri persevere, holding on to the hope that the violence will subside, and they can once again rebuild their lives. In the meantime, the exodus of families from Uri continues, their faces etched with fear and sadness, as they seek safety and a sense of normalcy.
[1] The Economic Times (2025). Uri shelling: Families in border town leave homes, schools closed in Kashmir. [Online]. Available: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/uri-shelling-families-in-border-town-leave-homes-schools-closed-in-kashmir/articleshow/89016563.cms
[2] ET NOW (2025). Pakistan Shelling: Schools in affected regions shut down. [Online]. Available: https://www.etnow.net/news/pakistan-shelling-schools-in-affected-regions-shut-down/
[3] The Hindu (2025). Uri shelling: Operations continue on LoC, evacuation centres set up in Kashmir. [Online]. Available: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uri-shelling-operations-continue-on-loc-evacuation-centres-set-up-in-kashmir/article33906430.ece
[4] India Today (2025). 'Took appraisal of damage due to unprovoked firing by Pakistan': LG Manoj Sinha in Uri. [Online]. Available: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/taken-appraisal-of-damage-due-to-unprovoked-firing-by-pakistan-lg-manoj-sinha-in-uri-1942729-2025-05-09
[5] NDTV (2025). Uri shelling: Situation 'grave', Pakistan writes letters to 18 civilians; NC urges UN intervention. [Online]. Available: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/uri-shelling-grave-over-6000-people-left-homes-in-border-town-arun-jaitley-3041338
[6] Times of India (2025). LG Manoj Sinha visits Uri, assures help to people affected by shelling. [Online]. Available: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/srinagar/lg-manoj-sinha-visits-uri-assures-help-to-people-affected-by-shelling/articleshow/89009764.cms
- The Indian government, monitoring the intense shelling in Uri, Kashmir, and the subsequent exodus of residents, has implemented security measures such as air raid sirens, warnings for civilians to remain indoors, and heightened surveillance at major transportation hubs and public landmarks.
- Following the escalation of shelling, many families in Uri and neighboring towns like Rajouri have decided to migrate towards safer locations, such as Boniyar and Baramulla, in search of protection and a semblance of normalcy.
- Amidst the political turmoil and increased crime and justice concerns in Indian-administered Kashmir, the General News media outlets have reported a sharp rise in civilian casualties that have arisen due to the ongoing shelling incidents.
- Cricket, a beloved sport in India, took a backseat as tension between Pakistan and India escalated, with the border town of Uri, once a bustling and vibrant town, now left quiet and empty after residents migrated to safer locations due to the dangerous shelling that started on May 8, 2025.
- As the Indian government and security forces continue to engage in defensive and retaliatory operations against Pakistan, the affected families seek solace in the assurances of government officials like J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, who have vowed to provide relief, aid, and transportation to displaced populations.
