Border skirmishes continue along LoC for ninth consecutive day in J-K, Indian Army retaliates
Ongoing ceasefire violations
The Pakistani Army’s actions, starting on the night of April 24, marked a renewed escalation of ceasefire violations. These violations began after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the attack. Initially, the small arms firing targeted posts in Kupwara and Baramulla, located in the northern Kashmir Valley. However, the violations soon spread to other sectors, including Poonch, Akhnoor, Sunderbani, Naushera, and even the Pargwal sector along the IB in Jammu.
A defence spokesman confirmed in a PTI report, “During the night of May 2 and 3, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms fire across the Line of Control opposite the Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor areas of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately.”
The situation has raised concerns in civilian areas. Residents along the LoC and IB have begun preparing their community bunkers, clearing them in anticipation of potential shelling if the conflict escalates further.
Military retaliation and diplomatic warnings
India’s military has responded swiftly and proportionately to these unprovoked violations. Since the start of these skirmishes, the Indian Army has maintained a calibrated response, effectively retaliating each time the Pakistan Army has engaged in firing. This marked the ninth consecutive instance of retaliation, with each exchange escalating tensions along the border.
Earlier, on May 1 and 2, Pakistani forces opened fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Naushera, and Akhnoor. India responded in a proportionate and measured manner, effectively countering the aggression.Indian military sources reported, “The Indian Army responded in a calibrated and proportionate manner to the unprovoked small arms firing by the Pakistan Army.”
Diplomatic efforts and escalating measures
Despite a recent hotline conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan, where India cautioned Pakistan over these repeated violations, tensions remain high. The two nations had reaffirmed the ceasefire in 2021, but the ongoing violence seems to suggest a breakdown in that accord.
In response to the situation, India has taken further diplomatic and military measures. On April 24, Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airlines, suspended trade, and warned that any attempt to divert water from the Indus would be considered an “act of war.” In retaliation, India closed its airspace to all Pakistani-registered and operated aircraft from April 30 to May 23. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) confirmed this closure, which affects all civil and military flights.
India shares a 3,323 km border with Pakistan, comprising the International Border (IB), the Line of Control (LoC), and the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL). The LoC, which spans 740 km, runs from Jammu to parts of Leh and has long been a flashpoint for hostilities. Despite the 2003 ceasefire agreement between the two nations, recent violations and the escalation of violence have demonstrated a significant departure from the relative calm of the past.
As tensions continue to rise, both India and Pakistan remain at a delicate juncture. While the military responses have been measured so far, the risk of escalation remains significant. With civilians preparing for the possibility of further attacks, and both sides issuing diplomatic warnings, the situation remains fragile. Diplomatic channels will likely remain crucial in preventing further conflict, but the road to peace is increasingly uncertain.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI)
