Unprovoked Firing in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch; Indian Army Hits Back

Pakistan’s LoC Aggression: Indian Army Counters Ceasefire Violations in Kupwara, Nowshera
Pakistan escalated tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) with unprovoked firing in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Nowshera, and Akhnoor sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army responded decisively, thwarting Pakistan’s aggressive tactics amid heightened friction following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. These ceasefire violations, involving small arms and occasional mortars, underscore the fragility of the 2021 ceasefire agreement.

Wave of Ceasefire Violations
Since April 24, Pakistan has violated the ceasefire almost daily, targeting Indian posts and civilian areas in multiple sectors. In Kupwara’s Naugam and Keran areas, Pakistani troops initiated small-arms fire on the night of May 1-2, met with a proportional Indian response. Nowshera in Rajouri district faced similar unprovoked attacks, with no immediate casualties reported. Baramulla, Poonch, and Akhnoor also saw firing, marking the seventh consecutive night of violations. The Indian Army’s measured retaliation has aimed to neutralize threats while avoiding escalation.
Context of Escalating Tensions
The surge in LoC hostilities follows India’s strong reaction to the Pahalgam attack, which killed 28 civilians. India accuses Pakistan of supporting the attackers, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba’s offshoot, The Resistance Front. In retaliation, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Attari-Wagah border. Pakistan’s ceasefire violations are seen as attempts to provide cover for militant infiltrations, with intelligence suggesting reactivated terror launch pads across the LoC. A hotline exchange between the Directors General of Military Operations on April 30 saw India warning Pakistan against further provocations.
Indian Army’s Robust Response
The Indian Army has maintained high alertness, dominating the LoC to prevent infiltration. In Nowshera, troops effectively countered Pakistani fire, protecting civilian lives. In Kupwara, security forces recently arrested two terror associates, recovering arms, indicating proactive measures against militancy. No significant damage or casualties were reported in the latest incidents, reflecting the Army’s preparedness.
Regional and Diplomatic Fallout
The repeated violations threaten the 2021 ceasefire, a rare diplomatic achievement. Pakistan’s actions, coupled with its border closure and airspace restrictions, have deepened the diplomatic freeze. The UN and US have urged restraint, but India’s firm stance signals zero tolerance for terrorism. As tensions persist, the LoC remains a volatile flashpoint, demanding vigilant defense and diplomatic efforts to restore stability.