An officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services was killed in artillery shelling by Pakistan in Rajouri on Saturday, said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Sharing the news in a social media post, the CM said that Raj Kumar Thappa, Additional District Development Commissioner was accompanying Deputy CM Surinder Chaudhary on Friday and attended an online meeting chaired by him.
Thappa's residence in Rajouri was hit by Pakistani shelling, Omar added.
"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 & attended the online meeting I chaired," he said in a post on X.
"Today the residence of the officer was hit by Pak shelling as they targeted Rajouri town killing our Additional District Development Commissioner Sh Raj Kumar Thappa," Omar said.
"I’ve no words to express my shock & sadness at this terrible loss of life. May his soul rest in peace," he added.
Pakistan carried out cross-border shelling along the Line of Control on Saturday, causing significant damage to civilian areas in Jammu's Rajouri district and sparking fears among residents.
A series of explosions damaged several houses and properties across the region, triggering panic among residents.
Locals said smoke rose after loud explosions were reported in Rajouri. According to Farukh Ahmed Wani, security in-charge at a hospital in Rajouri said one injured person was brought. His treatment began immediately, he added.
According to authorities, the injured civilians were transported to the hospital shortly after the shelling.