Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC; Indian army’s retaliation inflicts heavy casualties

J&K: Pakistani forces on Wednesday violated the ceasefire by initiating unprovoked firing on Indian forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army responded with a strong retaliatory attack, causing "heavy casualties" on the enemy side, security officials reported. However, the extent of damage suffered by Pakistani troops remains unclear as the Indian Army neither confirmed nor denied the casualty figures. The ceasefire breach in the Krishna Ghati sector comes just a day after two Indian Army personnel, including a captain, lost their lives in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion triggered by suspected terrorists near the LoC in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu district.

Ceasefire Violation Rare Since 2021 Agreement

Instances of ceasefire violations along the LoC have been relatively rare since India and Pakistan reaffirmed their ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2021. However, the latest aggression from Pakistan marks an escalation in tensions between the two nations.

Officials stated that Pakistani forces targeted a forward post in the Tarkundi area, prompting a retaliatory strike by the Indian Army, which resulted in severe losses for the enemy. Social media is abuzz with an undated video of a Pakistani Army officer reportedly paying their last respects to slain soldiers.

JCO injured in landmine explosion

Meanwhile, an Indian Army Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) sustained minor injuries after accidentally stepping on a landmine in the same sector. The officer, a resident of Mendhar, was part of a patrol team monitoring the LoC to prevent infiltration. He was swiftly evacuated to a military hospital for treatment.

Tensions escalate along the LoC

Officials noted that cross-border hostilities have intensified over the past week, leading to heightened tensions along the LoC. This marks the first ceasefire violation of the year and the fourth cross-border incident in just five days. On Monday, a soldier stationed at a forward post in Rajouri's Nowshera sector was shot by a bullet fired from across the border. Additionally, on February 8, an Army patrol came under fire from terrorists hiding in a forest near the LoC in Rajouri’s Keri sector, indicating a possible infiltration attempt. Further, during the intervening night of February 4 and 5, a landmine explosion reportedly resulted in casualties among terrorists attempting to cross into India in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district.

Senior army officers review security

On February 10, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Jammu-based White Knight Corps, reviewed the escalating situation along the LoC in Rajouri district. "GOC White Knight Corps, along with GOC Ace of Spades and GOC Crossed Swords divisions, visited forward areas of the Rajouri sector for an operational update on the prevailing security situation and hostile activities," the Indian Army stated in a post on X.

The White Knight Corps’ social media post also highlighted that the corps commander commended troops for their vigilance and unwavering operational focus. He further instructed them to remain prepared for any contingencies, reinforcing India's resolve to counter threats along its borders.