Jammu, May 8 -- As Pakistan continues to pound villages and towns close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, Poonch is among the worst-hit areas, accounting for 12 casualties and over 40 of the injured.

According to Lieutenant General (retired) Rakesh Sharma, who served five stints in Jammu and Kashmir, Poonch town's proximity to the LoC makes it vulnerable to cross-border shelling and artillery fire.

"They are using artillery fire because it is well within their range," he said, adding: "Poonch is being targeted by Pakistan because of its proximity to the LoC. It is a soft target. There may be an attempt to trigger migration of population from Poonch."

He points out the strategic importance the Hajipir Pass, a mountain r...