During the intervening night of May 7 and 8, tensions between India and Pakistan reached a new level along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistani army resorted to unprovoked firing using small and heavy weapons in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri and Akhnoor sectors. In response, the Indian army retaliated in kind, according to defense sources.
A statement from the Indian Army said, "From the night of May 7 to the morning of May 8, the Pakistan army resorted to firing using small arms and artillery from across the Line of Control. The Indian Army gave a very restrained but befitting reply."
There is a clear context behind this firing—the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22. Several innocent people lost their lives in that attack. Intelligence reports suggest that Pakistan-based militant organizations Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were behind the attack. In response, India launched “Operation Sindh” on May 7—a highly precise air and missile strike on at least nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian military also claimed that many terrorist camps were destroyed in the operation and several top leaders of Jaish and Lashkar were killed.
Pakistan has been continuously violating the ceasefire since this counter-attack. According to the Ministry of Defense, 15 civilians were killed and at least 43 injured in Pakistani shelling and shelling in civilian areas of Poonch and Tangdhar sectors last night alone. Many houses were damaged in the explosions, window panes were shattered, and cracks appeared in the walls. Panic has spread in the border villages, many people have been forced to flee in search of safe shelter.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly condemned the incident and said, “The use of weapons on civilians is unacceptable. Such cowardly attacks encourage terrorism. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.”
The Indian Army said that it is maintaining extra vigil on the border and that every incident of ceasefire violation will be met with a befitting reply. In the current situation, while India is continuing its fight against terrorism, it is also paying special attention to the safety of civilians.
There has already been concern in the international community about this situation. The United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, China and other countries have called on India and Pakistan to show restraint. However, India’s clear message is that if anyone wants to create unrest with the help of terrorists, they will be given a stern response.
The border situation is very sensitive at the moment. The Indian Army is on the highest alert and is uncompromising in protecting the sovereignty of the country. However, ensuring the safety of lives and property of civilians is also the first priority of the administration.
