Pakistan violates ceasefire in J&K’s Poonch, Indian Army retaliates, heavy casualties reported

The Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Tuesday, opening unprovoked fire in the Krishna Ghati (KG) sector. The Indian Army responded with a strong retaliatory strike, engaging enemy positions and neutralizing the threat. The Nangi Tekri Battalion, operating under the Krishna Ghati Brigade, led the counteroffensive against the ceasefire violation.

According to an Indian Army spokesperson, a mine blast occurred in the Krishna Ghati sector due to an attempted intrusion by the Pakistan Army. "On April 1, a mine blast occurred in Krishna Ghati Sector due to Pakistan Army intrusion across the LoC, followed by unprovoked firing and ceasefire violation. Own troops responded effectively in a controlled and calibrated manner. The situation is under control and being closely monitored," the spokesperson said.

Sources indicate that four to five infiltrators were killed in retaliatory action, though there has been no official confirmation yet. The firing continued intermittently throughout the day, but the Indian Army has not reported any loss of life or property on its side. The LoC in the southern Pir Panjal region has witnessed a sharp rise in firing incidents in recent months, with multiple sniper attacks and intrusion attempts by Pakistani forces.

Meanwhile, in a separate counter-terror operation, Indian security forces launched an operation in the Panjtirthi area of Kathua district after detecting suspicious movement on March 31. A joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) engaged in an exchange of fire with terrorists in the early hours of April 1. Search-and-destroy operations are ongoing, with security forces maintaining high alert in the area.

The ceasefire violation comes nearly four years after India and Pakistan reaffirmed their ceasefire agreement in February 2021, following discussions between their respective Director Generals of Military Operations (DGsMO). Despite multiple diplomatic efforts, ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts continue along the LoC, particularly in the Krishna Ghati sector. Security forces remain deployed along the border, closely monitoring the situation.