LoC tensions flare across Kashmir, Jammu

Srinagar, Apr 30: The ceasefire understanding along the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, in place since February 2021, is facing increasing strain.

In a worrying escalation, the recent spate of cross-border firing has for the first time spread beyond Kashmir into the Jammu division, signaling a broadening of tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

While the situation has not yet spiralled into the intense artillery duels that were a routine feature before the 2021 ceasefire agreement, the Indian Army has reported a noticeable uptick in ceasefire violations (CFVs) over the past five days.

Exchange of fire, involving assault rifles and light machine guns, occurred for five consecutive nights, with Indian positions in Kupwara and Poonch among those targeted by what the Army described as ìunprovokedî small arms fire from across the LoC.

ìEarlier, incidents were largely limited to areas in north Kashmir such as Tutmari Gali, Rampur, Uri, Gurez, and Sunderbani. Now, we are seeing firing in Poonch in Jammu as well,î Army officials said.

Sources in the security establishment said that over a dozen ìclear-cutî CFVs have been recorded since the renewed tension began.

A CFV is generally categorised as such when over 25 rounds of small arms are fired at a particular location.

Notably, there has been no reported use yet of heavy-calibre weapons like 155 mm artillery guns or 120 mm mortars, which would mark a significant escalation.

ìAfter just one CFV in 2022, none in 2023, and only two so far in 2024, this sudden spike is concerning,î the officer said, suggesting a deliberate shift in Pakistani tactics.

Security forces, including the Army and J&K Police, have stepped up frisking operations and vehicle checks at multiple points along these routes.

ìWe saw big military trucks passing late at night, followed by heavy presence of security personnel in the morning,î said Abdul Mohmin a resident of Kupwara. ìEven movement of civilians was restricted briefly.î

According to reports, the government is actively weighing the option of limited punitive military action, including cross-border strikes, to deter further violations and to respond to Pakistanís alleged complicity in facilitating infiltration from across the LoC.

The Indian Army, which has historically responded with calibrated military pressure ñ including sniping operations, artillery fire, and shallow cross-LoC raids - has reiterated its readiness to act if provoked further.

ìWe can target terror launch pads, camps, and staging areas used by infiltrators. Military pressure can be scaled up through concentrated artillery barrages or precision strikes,î an officer involved in operational planning said.

Before the February 2021 agreement, India frequently resorted to heavy retaliatory action along the LoC to impose costs on Pakistan for aiding terrorist infiltration.

This included targeted shelling of Pakistan Army posts that were allegedly used to provide covering fire for terrorists attempting to cross into J&K.