Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated significantly in recent weeks, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, following a deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. India has blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Pakistan has denied any involvement.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 6, conducting missile and air strikes on multiple locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Indian officials stated that the strikes targeted nine sites of "terrorist infrastructure," while Pakistan strongly condemned the attacks, calling them unprovoked and baseless. Pakistan claims the strikes hit residential areas and a mosque, resulting in civilian casualties. India has also expelled Pakistani diplomats, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and closed border crossings.
The situation further intensified as the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked firing along the LoC in areas opposite the Akhnoor sector in Jammu district, Kupwara, Baramulla, and Uri. The Indian Army responded "proportionately," with reports indicating significant damage to Pakistani military installations and casualties on the enemy side. Indiscriminate shelling by Pakistan has reportedly destroyed houses, vehicles, and buildings, including a Gurudwara, forcing hundreds of border residents to seek refuge in underground bunkers or relocate.
Amid the heightened tensions, authorities have ordered the closure of all educational institutions in the five border districts of the Jammu region for the second consecutive day. The administration in the Jammu division has also established 24/7 control rooms in all 10 districts of the region.
India has accused Pakistan of increasing the intensity of unprovoked firing across the LoC, using mortars and heavy artillery in areas including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors. Pakistan's military claims to have downed 25 Indian drones, while India reports thwarting a Pakistani drone and missile attack on its military. India Today reported that Indian armed forces struck Pakistan's air defense infrastructure, targeting and destroying Chinese-origin HQ-9 missile systems in Lahore.
The recent escalation has raised concerns about a potential full-blown conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Civilians in the border regions are bearing the brunt of the hostilities, with reports of houses destroyed, injuries, and fatalities. According to Al Jazeera, at least 11 people have been killed in Poonch district from Pakistani firing into Indian-administered Kashmir since early May 7. The United States is closely monitoring the situation.
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan reserves the right to retaliate against India at a time and manner of its choosing. Meanwhile, India maintains that the choice of de-escalation lies with Pakistan, as Operation Sindoor was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
