For the seventh straight night, the fragile ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) has been shattered by unprovoked firing from Pakistani forces. The persistent violations have significantly heightened tensions in the already volatile region, particularly following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
According to defence officials in Jammu, the Pakistan Army initiated small arms fire across the LoC in multiple sectors spanning the Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor areas during the night of April 30 – May 1, 2025. The Indian Army responded promptly and with proportionate force to the aggression.
This latest incident marks a continuation of a worrying trend that began on the night of April 24, shortly after India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals. Since then, Pakistani troops have consistently resorted to unprovoked firing at various locations along the LoC.
The repeated ceasefire violations are especially concerning as they occurred even after the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held a telephonic conversation on Tuesday to discuss the escalating situation. Sources familiar with the talks indicated that the Indian DGMO conveyed a strong warning to his Pakistani counterpart against the continued firing along both the LoC and the International Border.
The current spate of violations has undone much of the progress achieved since February 2021, when both nations recommitted to the 2003 ceasefire agreement with the aim of fostering peace along the de facto border.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, India has taken a series of firm measures. These include the closure of its airspace for all Pakistani-registered aircraft until May 23, and the suspension of trade and the Wagah border crossing. Furthermore, India has stated that any attempt by Pakistan to divert water allocated under the Indus Waters Treaty would be considered an “act of war.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent high-level meeting, has reportedly granted the armed forces complete operational freedom to determine India’s response to both the terror attack and the ongoing ceasefire violations. Security forces in the Kashmir Valley have also intensified counter-terrorism operations.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for de-escalation and dialogue coming from various quarters. The United States, in particular, has urged both India and Pakistan to reduce tensions in the region.
The continued ceasefire violations not only endanger the lives of civilians residing in the border areas but also pose a significant threat to regional stability. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on how both nations will navigate this challenging period.