The Indian Army alleges that Pakistani forces initiated the unprovoked gunfire across the international border in the Pargwal sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The incident follows a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed, making it the deadliest assault in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Indian officials have labeled this latest exchange of fire as one of Pakistan's most severe ceasefire violations in recent years.
Despite India's claims, there has been no official statement or acknowledgment from Pakistan or its media regarding the cross-border exchange. Indian forces reported that they delivered a "firm response" at each location targeted by Pakistani fire.
The initial round of gunfire reportedly began last Thursday night and has since spread to three strategic sectors along the LoC in the Jammu region. These skirmishes come amid rising diplomatic tensions following a spate of attacks on tourists in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, further straining India-Pakistan relations.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, diplomatic ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have hit a new low. India suspended the key Indus Waters Treaty, prompting Pakistan to retaliate by suspending the Simla Agreement and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft.
Adding to the diplomatic fallout, both countries issued orders for each other’s citizens to leave within 48 hours by canceling visas, resulting in mass returns of nationals to their respective countries.
This renewed wave of conflict and diplomatic breakdown highlights the fragile nature of peace in the Kashmir region and raises concerns over a potential wider escalation.
