22 hours Ago
SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Pakistani soldiers violated the ceasefire with gunfire along the Line of Control in J&K's Poonch district on Tuesday, prompting an effective response from Indian troops. "On April 1, a mine blast occurred in Krishna Ghati sector while Pakistan Army was patrolling along the LoC. This was followed by unprovoked firing and ceasefire violation," Jammu-based defence PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said on Wednesday.
"Our troops responded effectively. The Indian Army continues to dominate the LoC. The situation is under control.
" The area has an anti-infiltration obstacle system, with landmines that get washed away by rain and triggered by cattle or human movement. Pakistan has in the past repeatedly breached the 2003 ceasefire agreement in its attempts to push terrorists under covering fire. In 2019, over 3,200 violations were reported, averaging nine a day, coinciding with Pakistan's opposition to the constitutional changes in J&K that year.
It peaked in 2020 with 5,100 - the highest in two decades. The violations reduced after the 2021 reaffirmation of the truce by the rival DGs of military operations, although sporadic cases have continued. Indian Army has stressed the importance of upholding the 2021 agreement to maintain peace along LoC.
Tuesday's violation follows an earlier breach on Feb 12, when Pakistani troops opened fire in forward areas along the LoC in Poonch. Last year, a BSF jawan was wounded in Pakistani firing in Akhnoor on Sept 11, while Indian border posts in Krishna Ghati came under fire on June 29. Security forces remain on high alert, particularly in spring when melting snow eases infiltration routes.
According to sources, 70 to 80 Pakistani terrorists are currently active in J&K, with 55 to 60 operating in Jammu region..
