The Army killed 4-5 infiltrators in retaliatory firing after the Pakistan army intruded into Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Tuesday, violating the ceasefire agreement between the two nations, sources said. The Army said the infiltration attempt in the Krishna Ghati area of Poonch district was successfully foiled.
On Tuesday, Pakistani soldiers and infiltrators opened fire, prompting retaliation by the Indian Army. Sources said the Pakistani side suffered heavy casualties.
This is the first time in recent months that the Army has confirmed the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. Similar cross-firing incidents were reported in the Krishna Ghati sector earlier in February this year.
The Indian Army stated that there was no loss of life or property on its side. The firing continued intermittently throughout the day, and the Indian Army remains fully deployed in the Krishna Ghati area.
"On April 1, a mine blast occurred in Krishna Ghati sector due to Pakistan Army intrusion across LoC. This was followed by unprovoked firing and ceasefire violation by the Pakistan army. Our troops responded effectively in a controlled and calibrated manner. The situation is under control and being closely monitored," a defence spokesperson said.
Over the past two months, there has been a sharp increase in cross-border firing incidents along the LoC in the southern Pir Panjal region, with reports of sniping, firing, and Border Action Team (BAT) attempts by Pakistan. Sources within the Indian Army indicate that these incidents are being dealt with swiftly and effectively at the local level, as Pakistan continues to violate the ceasefire agreement.
According to Army sources, Pakistani forces and terrorists have made multiple failed intrusion attempts in the Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir, suffering heavy losses in the process. During the first week of February, Pakistani troops initiated small-arms fire and detonated explosives along the LoC, prompting a strong retaliatory response from the Indian Army. Despite India raising the issue with the Pakistani side, cross-border disturbances have persisted.
The ongoing surge in cross-border firing comes nearly four years after India and Pakistan reaffirmed their ceasefire agreement along the LoC in February 2021. The agreement, reached between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, aimed to bring stability along the LoC and reduce tensions. However, the recent escalation of ceasefire violations, particularly in the southern Pir Panjal region, raises concerns about the agreement’s fragility.
Source: India Today