Tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir have escalated sharply following alleged unprovoked firing by Pakistan, marking a significant setback to the ceasefire agreement established in February 2021. This recent surge in ceasefire violations has had severe consequences, including civilian casualties, injuries, and heightened fears among local communities.
The unprovoked firing by the Pakistan Army has been ongoing for fourteen consecutive days, targeting areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army has responded "proportionately" to these violations. The increased intensity of cross-border shelling follows India's military strikes on alleged terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These strikes, codenamed "Operation Sindoor," were launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, mostly tourists.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that thirteen civilians were killed and 59 others injured in Poonch sector due to Pakistan's ceasefire violations. The fatalities were concentrated in the Poonch district, with 44 of the injured also from the same area. Among those killed was an Indian Army soldier, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, who sacrificed his life during the unprovoked shelling. The White Knight Corps saluted his sacrifice and expressed solidarity with the victims of targeted attacks on innocent civilians in the Poonch sector.
Eyewitness accounts describe panic among tourists as gunshots rang out, leaving them with nowhere to hide. The recent attack is considered one of the biggest terror attacks since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Since April 24, just hours after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistani troops have reportedly engaged in unprovoked firing at various locations along the LoC in J-K.
The repeated ceasefire violations have rendered the February 2021 agreement largely ineffective. The current situation involves simultaneous firing at multiple points, a departure from previous isolated incidents. This pattern has increased in frequency since the Pahalgam terror attack. The firing has affected several border districts, including Baramulla, Kupwara, Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Indian Armed Forces reportedly targeted air defense systems in Pakistan. It was reported that an air defense system in Lahore was neutralized. Pakistan has also accused India of drone attacks and missile strikes on civilian areas, including religious sites. India has denied these claims, asserting that its operations targeted terrorist infrastructure.
The international community has expressed concerns over the escalating tensions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan to avoid further escalation. The UN Security Council discussed the India-Pakistan question in a closed consultation, with members reiterating their condemnation of the April 22 attack and calling for calm and de-escalation.
The ongoing ceasefire violations and heightened tensions have created a challenging humanitarian situation, with displacement of families and disruption of essential services in border regions. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation and tragic consequences.
