Pakistan army crosses the Line of Control and opens fire on posts; India responds

The Pakistan Army breached the ceasefire accord between the two countries by entering Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. The incident occurred at 1:10 pm on Tuesday, and the Indian forces reacted with a “controlled and calibrated” response. The Nangi Tekri Battalion, under the Krishna Ghati Brigade, responded firmly to the unprovoked assault, according to an Indian Army official familiar with the situation.

“On 01 Apr 25, a mine blast occurred in Krishna Ghati Sector due to Pakistan Army intrusion across LC. This was followed by unprovoked firing and ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army. Own troops responded effectively in a controlled and calibrated manner. Situation is under control and being closely monitored,” the official added.

“Indian Army reiterates the importance of upholding the tenets of DGsMO understanding of 2021 to maintain peace along the Line of Control,” the official added.

Ceasefire violations along the borders of Jammu and Kashmir have been rare since the two countries renewed an agreement on February 25, 2021.

The breach of the ceasefire occurs during current actions in the Panjtirthi region of Kathua, where security forces had heightened their efforts after a firefight with terrorists. A coordinated operation orchestrated by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commenced in the region following the detection of suspicious movement on the night of March 31. This resulted in a new meeting during the early hours of April 1.

In reaction to the incident, security forces initiated a search-and-destroy mission at dawn. Monitoring and traps have been established in the area, informed by intelligence reports, as the operation persists. Officials have kept a high level of vigilance in the region, closely overseeing the situation.

The Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army confirmed the operations, stating, “Acting on intelligence inputs, multiple surveillance cum ambushes were deployed in general area Panjtirthi, Kathua by Indian Army, JK Police and CRPF. Suspicious movement was observed on the night of March 31, leading to an exchange of fire. Search and destroy operations launched at first light on April 1. Operations in progress.”