Indian and Pakistani Troops Exchange Intense Artillery Fire Amid Rising Border Tensions
Tensions flared once again along the volatile Line of Control (LoC) as Indian and Pakistani troops engaged in a fierce artillery exchange, marking one of the most intense episodes of cross-border fire in recent months. The exchange reportedly took place in the early hours, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the provocation.
According to Indian defense sources, Pakistani forces opened fire on forward Indian positions in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a strong retaliatory response from Indian troops. The exchange lasted several hours and reportedly involved heavy shelling and mortar fire.
Pakistan’s military, meanwhile, claimed that Indian forces initiated the “unprovoked ceasefire violation” targeting civilian areas on the Pakistani side of the LoC. Local media in Pakistan reported damage to property and minor injuries, while Indian reports indicated no casualties but confirmed structural damages in border villages.
While no official death toll has been confirmed from either side, the artillery duel has reignited fears of escalation in a region long marred by political tension and frequent skirmishes. Military officials on both sides remain on high alert, and villagers near the border have been advised to take precautionary measures amid the heightened risk of further attacks.
This latest incident comes amid a broader diplomatic freeze between New Delhi and Islamabad, with backchannel communications reportedly limited. Efforts to revive bilateral talks have repeatedly stalled due to disagreements over the status of Kashmir and concerns about cross-border militancy.
Defense analysts warn that continued violations of the 2021 ceasefire agreement could unravel the fragile peace that had briefly taken hold in the region. The LoC, which serves as the de facto border between Indian-administered and Pakistani-administered Kashmir, has seen thousands of ceasefire violations over the years, despite multiple agreements aimed at de-escalation.
International observers, including the United Nations and regional stakeholders such as China and the United States, are closely monitoring the situation. Calls for restraint and dialogue have resurfaced, with human rights organizations urging both countries to prioritize civilian safety and regional stability.
The Indian and Pakistani governments have yet to release detailed official statements on the incident. However, ground reports and military briefings suggest that further clashes could occur if diplomatic interventions fail to materialize swiftly.
As border communities brace for more uncertainty, the world watches anxiously, hoping this latest flare-up does not spiral into a larger conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Source : Swifteradio.com
