There is no let-up in border tensions between India and Pakistan, as Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) for the fourth consecutive night, opening unprovoked fire on army posts in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara and Poonch districts.
“On the night of April 27-28, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara (north Kashmir) and Poonch (Jammu region),” an army official said.
Indian troops responded swiftly with appropriate small arms fire, though no casualties or injuries were reported on either side.
This marks the fourth consecutive night that Pakistani troops have breached the ceasefire and fired on Indian army posts along the LoC. Over the past three nights, Pakistani forces have targeted army posts in the Valley, with the most recent attack extending into the Poonch district.
The firing incidents come just days after militants attacked tourists in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, killing 25 tourists and a local resident. Following the attack, troops deployed along the LoC have been placed on the highest level of alertness.
“The highest level of alertness means troops have been directed to give a befitting reply to any ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops. They have been instructed not to hold back and respond effectively to foil all enemy designs,” the official added.
While the LoC and International Border (IB) had remained calm since India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire in February 2021, the recent uptick in ceasefire violations has raised concerns about the stability of the agreement.
As tensions escalate, residents of border areas have begun repairing and cleaning their underground bunkers, while some are hurriedly harvesting crops to prepare for any further escalation.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have heightened following the deadly terrorist attack. Security agencies have ramped up their efforts to track down those responsible for the attack.
India has taken a series of stringent actions against Pakistan, including the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, the suspension of the over six-decade-old Indus Waters Treaty, and the immediate closure of the Attari land-transit post.
These decisions were made on Wednesday following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who pledged that India will "identify, track, and punish" every terrorist and their "backers" behind the deadly Pahalgam attack.
In retaliation, Pakistan has suspended all bilateral agreements with India, including the 1972 Simla Agreement.
Meanwhile, police have released sketches of three suspects believed to be involved in the Pahalgam attack. The suspects are identified as Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, both from Pakistan, and Adil Hussain Thoker, a resident of Anantnag district. A reward of Rs 20 lakh has been announced for credible information leading to their arrest.
Additionally, in South Kashmir, security forces have demolished the homes of three more suspected terrorists, bringing the total number of houses demolished to nine since the Pahalgam attack. The properties belong to Adnan Shafi Dar (Shopian), Amir Nazir (Pulwama), and Jameel Ahmad (Bandipora).
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while supporting a decisive fight against terrorism, cautioned against actions that might alienate innocent people in the region. "The people of Kashmir have openly condemned terrorism and the killing of innocent civilians. It’s time to build on this support but avoid any misplaced actions that could harm innocent lives. Punish the guilty, but ensure innocent people are not caught in the crossfire," Abdullah stated on X.
(With inputs from Online Desk)
