Pakistan Sustains Ceasefire Breaches for Sixth Night Along LoC, International Border
SRINAGAR: For the sixth consecutive night, Pakistani forces breached the ceasefire agreement by engaging in unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC) in multiple sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as along the international border in Jammu’s Pargwal sector, according to an Indian Army statement. The ongoing violations, which began on April 24, have heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting robust retaliation from Indian troops.
On the night of April 29-30, Pakistani army posts initiated small-arms fire in the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in the Baramulla and Kupwara districts of the Kashmir Valley. The Indian Army responded promptly and effectively to the provocations. Additionally, firing was reported along the international border in Pargwal, marking an extension of hostilities beyond the LoC.
In response to the escalating situation, the Indian Army launched an extensive combing operation along the LoC in Kupwara district, involving house searches. Military officials suspect that Pakistan may be attempting to facilitate infiltrations under the cover of these ceasefire violations. “During the night of April 29-30, Pakistan army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the LoC in J&K’s Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors, as well as in Baramulla and Kupwara districts in Kashmir Valley,” the Army statement noted.
Luv Puri, a former UN counter-terrorism official and Kashmir expert, told that the recent flare-up along the LoC and its spread to the international border aligns with historical patterns of India-Pakistan tensions. Puri highlighted that the flat terrain of the 198-km international border often sees rapid escalation during periods of strained relations.
The ceasefire violations follow a series of Indian measures prompted by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed in Baisaran meadow. These measures include diplomatic actions such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari border crossing. The Indian Army remains on high alert, with ongoing operations to secure the LoC and counter potential threats.