SRINAGAR: Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam massacre, with cross-border firing reported along several stretches of the Line of Control (LoC). The Pakistani military reportedly initiated unprovoked firing late at night from multiple locations along the de facto border โ an aggressive maneuver not witnessed in recent months, according to security officials.
The Indian Army, in line with its rules of engagement, promptly responded to the provocation with retaliatory fire. An official source confirmed that the exchange involved the use of small arms. โPakistani troops opened fire in border areas. Our soldiers gave a calibrated response. There are no reports of casualties on our side. The situation is under close observation,โ the source added.
While sporadic ceasefire violations are not new, what sets this incident apart is its timing. Just three days have passed since the horrific terror strike in Jammu and Kashmirโs Pahalgam area, which claimed the lives of 28 innocent tourists. The coordinated nature of the border provocation amid rising national anguish has raised concerns of further destabilization.
This is not the first flare-up this year. In February, a brief episode of small arms fire was reported from the Pakistani side targeting an Indian forward position in Jammuโs Poonch region. India, then too, had delivered a firm yet proportionate military reply. Fortunately, neither incident resulted in injuries or infrastructure loss.
Amid the renewed volatility, both nations remain in a state of heightened readiness. Pakistan has imposed a no-fly zone over a portion of the Arabian Sea, citing a planned missile test โ coinciding suspiciously with regional unrest following the Pahalgam bloodbath.
In a significant move reflecting the gravity of the situation, Indiaโs Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has arrived in Srinagar. He is receiving direct updates from the Commander of the strategically critical 15 Corps. Military sources indicate that the top brass is evaluating both anti-terror operations within Kashmir and the growing frequency of Pakistani attempts to breach the ceasefire understanding along the LoC.
