Tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir continue to escalate as the Pakistani Army engaged in unprovoked firing across multiple sectors including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor. This marks the 14th consecutive day of ceasefire violations, Indian defence officials confirmed.
According to a statement released by the Indian Army, the Pakistan Army initiated firing late on the night of May 7 using small arms and heavy artillery. Indian forces responded in kind with “proportionate” retaliation.
The recent shelling follows India’s precision military operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, carried out in the early hours of May 7. The counterstrike targeted nine identified terror camps situated in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reportedly housing militants from Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The operation, which began at 1:05 a.m. and lasted approximately 25 minutes, resulted in the death of 70 terrorists and injuries to over 60 others.
India described the mission as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.” According to the Ministry of Defence, only terror infrastructure was targeted, and no Pakistani military installations were struck. “Our response was precise and restrained. It reflects our commitment to hold the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack accountable,” the Ministry stated.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22 in Baisaran Valley—popularly known as “Mini Switzerland”—claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepali national. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic as armed militants opened fire on unsuspecting tourists in the open terrain.
In response to the attack, India took the unprecedented step of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty on April 24. Almost immediately afterward, cross-border hostilities intensified, with Pakistani forces initiating repeated ceasefire violations along the LoC.
The recent Pakistani artillery barrage has claimed 13 lives so far, including four children and an Indian soldier. The deceased soldier, identified as Dinesh Kumar Sharma from Haryana, was killed in cross-border firing in the Poonch sector. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini paid tribute, stating, “The nation salutes your sacrifice. Your martyrdom will never be forgotten.”
The continued hostilities mark one of the most volatile periods along the LoC in recent years, raising concerns of further escalation. Military officials on both sides remain on high alert as the situation develops.
