New Delhi/Jammu – May 1, 2025

Tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) have reached a boiling point following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam and India's subsequent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The Pakistani Army is continuously violating the ceasefire, attempting to provoke the Indian Army. According to a senior Indian Army official, India is giving a strong and befitting reply to the unprovoked firing originating from Pakistani posts, increasing fears of war in the border region.

Overnight Firing, India's Strong Response:

According to available information, on the night of April 30 and May 1, Pakistani army posts initiated unprovoked firing using small arms across the LoC opposite the Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor sectors of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Prior to this, on the night of April 29-30, similar firing occurred in the Nowshera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors. The official stated that the Indian Army responded "immediately and in a balanced manner" with a "befitting reply" to all these incidents.

Tension Spreads from LoC to IB:

The firing, which initially began in the Kupwara and Baramulla districts of the Kashmir Valley, later spread to Poonch, Akhnoor, Sunderbani, and Nowshera sectors. Furthermore, firing has also been reported across the International Border (IB) in the Pargwal sector of Jammu district, noted as the first such incident on the IB in the past week. This indicates that the tension has spilled over from the LoC to the International Border.

Retaliation for Indus Treaty Suspension?

It is noteworthy that India took the drastic step of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. Since then, Pakistan has maintained continuous firing along the LoC, which is being viewed by some as retaliation for the treaty's suspension.

High Alert on Border, Appeal to Civilians for Safety:

Keeping in view the continuous firing and provocation from Pakistan, the Indian Army and security forces have adopted high alertness in the border areas. Civilians in the border regions have been appealed to stay in safe locations. Amidst the tense atmosphere, security arrangements in the border areas have been significantly tightened. This turn of events has once again heightened the risk of a serious military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.