ADDC among 3 killed in Rajouri as multiple blasts by Pak rocks Jammu city

JAMMU — Several houses and vehicles were damaged early morning on Saturday as Pakistan targeted parts of Jammu city, while Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Raj Kumar Thappa, among three people, was killed in heavy Pak shelling in Rajouri town.

Multiple blasts were heard and sirens sounded in Jammu city, officials said.

They said that Pakistan attacked Jammu city with drones and missiles targeting the areas close to the military installations.

“Houses and buildings were damaged in Rehari Colony, Nagrota, Nehru Market and Roop Nagar areas due to a series of attacks,” they said.

The attack came a day after India thwarted attempts by the Pakistan military to hit Indian military installations using drones and missiles.

They stated that drones were also sighted in Jammu and Samba, Udhampur and Nagrota areas and were engaged.

The aerial objects overnight attempted to strike strategic locations like Jammu airport and areas surrounding the army, air force, and paramilitary installations.

Official sources said that Pakistan also attacked the bordering Rajouri town, where three people, including an ADDC and a minor.

Confirming the death of ADDC Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X, “Devastating news from Rajouri. We have lost a dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services. Just yesterday, he was accompanying the Deputy CM around the district and attended the online meeting I chaired.”

“Today, the residence of the officer was hit by Pak shelling as they targeted Rajouri town, killing our Additional District Development Commissioner Raj Kumar Thappa. I’ve no words to express my shock & sadness at this terrible loss of life. May his soul rest in peace,” Abdullah posted.

Official sources said that ADDC and two other persons, including a minor from Bihar, were killed.

“ADDC Raj Kumar Thappa was killed after his residence was hit by a Pakistan shell,” they said, adding that two more bodies were received at the GMC Rajouri and they too had died due to Pakistan shelling.

The duo are said to be residents of Bihar, including a 2-year-old boy.

Meanwhile, heavy cross-border shelling took place along the International Border in Suchetgarh and Ramgarh sectors of Jammu and Samba districts.