Pakistan Escalates Tensions with Unprovoked Firing Along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir

JAMMU: Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir for the tenth consecutive night on Saturday, targeting eight sectors. The Indian Army responded promptly to the ceasefire violations, which occurred in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor.

A defence spokesperson reported that on the night of May 3-4, 2025, Pakistani forces initiated the unprovoked attacks, prompting a swift and proportionate response from Indian troops. No casualties were reported in the latest incidents. The ongoing skirmishes, which began on April 24, follow heightened tensions after a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

The firing started in the northern districts of Kupwara and Baramulla before spreading to Poonch and Akhnoor, and later escalating to Rajouri’s Sunderbani and Naushera sectors, as well as Mendhar. Pakistan’s actions have persisted despite a hotline conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations of both nations, during which India issued a stern warning.

Ceasefire violations have been rare since India and Pakistan renewed their agreement on February 25, 2021. However, the recent diplomatic fallout, including India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, has coincided with Pakistan’s repeated provocations. Villagers near the border have begun preparing community and individual bunkers as a precaution against potential escalation.