Srinagar/New Delhi, April 2 — The Indian Army responded with “controlled and calibrated” fire after Pakistan violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, a defence spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal stated that the situation was under control and being closely monitored.
“On Tuesday, a mine blast occurred in the Krishna Ghati sector due to the Pakistan Army’s intrusion across the LoC. This was followed by unprovoked firing and a ceasefire violation. Indian troops responded effectively in a controlled and calibrated manner,” he said.
Bartwal reiterated the importance of maintaining peace along the LoC, referencing the 2021 understanding between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Intentions and Retaliatory Fire
According to intelligence sources, Pakistan opened fire to divert Indian troops and provide cover for infiltrating terrorists.
“Alert soldiers on the Indian side immediately retaliated,” a source said. Two Pakistani soldiers, identified as Choudhary Nazakat Ali from Charikot Haveli and Naseer Ahmad from Nakyal Kotli in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, were reportedly killed.
An official stated that Indian troops briefly opened fire at around 1:30 p.m. in the Nangi Tekri area of Krishna Ghati sector following the mine blast.
Ongoing Tensions at LoC and Border Since January
The latest ceasefire violation comes amid ongoing anti-terror operations in Kathua, where forces have killed two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and are tracking three others in Panjtirthi.
Since January, Pakistan has engaged in multiple hostile activities along the LoC and international border. On March 12, a soldier was injured in Pakistani sniper fire in the Kalsian area of Rajouri district.
Despite a brigadier-level flag meeting in Poonch on February 21, where both sides agreed to uphold the truce, cross-border attacks have continued. The Indian delegation had conveyed that while India seeks peace, continued provocations would warrant retaliation.
Past Incidents of Hostility
February 11: Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi and another soldier were killed in an IED attack in Akhnoor.
February 10 & 14: Two army personnel were injured in small-arms fire in Rajouri and Poonch.
Early February: Two soldiers were wounded in landmine explosions in Poonch.
The February 25, 2021, ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan aimed at reducing tensions, but ceasefire violations and hostilities persist.
An intelligence official stated that Pakistan has been “resorting to cross-border firing, sniper attacks, and IED blasts to target Indian soldiers.”
Meanwhile, the former General Officer Commanding of the Jammu-based White Knight Corps, Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, had reviewed the situation in Rajouri on February 10 in response to Pakistan’s “hostile activities.”
