New Delhi, May 7 -- Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, the Jammu and Kashmir region witnessed heavy shelling from across the border on Wednesday.

Soon after India launched 'Operation Sindoor' early Wednesday, Pakistan's "barbaric" shelling left a trail of destruction - damaged houses, broken shops, burnt vehicles, bloodstains and debris-littered streets.

At least 15 people were killed and 43 others injured in the cross-border artillery and mortar shelling from the Pakistani army along the Line of Control (Loc) in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Artillery firing by the Pakistan Army since last night has hit civilian areas in Poonch and Tangdhar. Caused the death of 15 innocent civilians and injured 43 others," defence officials sa...