Pakistan violates ceasefire for 11th night in a row; UNSC to discuss India-Pak tensions today

Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire agreement for the 11th consecutive night on Sunday, launching unprovoked small arms fire across several sectors of the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border in Jammu and Kashmir. Firing was reported in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army stated it responded “promptly and proportionately” to the aggression to protect forward posts and civilians.

The Indian Army reported that the firing originated from Pakistani positions across five districts: Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch south of the Pir Panjal ranges, and Baramulla and Kupwara in the Kashmir Valley. Late-night firing continued into early Monday, with reports of intermittent gunfire from 35 Pakistani posts targeting both Indian military positions and civilian areas, including settlements near streams along the LoC. Firing was also reported from the Pargwal sector in Jammu.

According to reports, Pakistan has increased its troop deployment across key regions including Kotli, Mirpur, Mangla Forward, Khuretta, Rawalakot, Bhattal, Hajira, Muzaffarabad, Aliabad, Chakothi, Abbottabad, Bagh, and Balakot. Surveillance detected mock models of tanks, artillery, and air defence systems in these areas, reportedly aimed at misleading Indian satellites and radars about actual military positioning.

The ceasefire violations follow the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed and over a dozen injured. India has stated that there are clear cross-border linkages to the attack. Islamabad has denied any involvement and expressed willingness for a neutral third-party investigation. Security has since been heightened in Jammu and Kashmir, with search operations underway to trace the attackers. Official confirmation on the casualty figures is awaited.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India banned the import of goods from or transiting through Pakistan and barred Pakistani ships from Indian ports. Pakistan responded by banning Indian-flagged vessels from entering its ports. The United Nations Security Council will hold closed consultations today following a request from Pakistan, which is currently a non-permanent member. Russia has expressed willingness to support a political resolution if both countries agree.