Pakistan Troops Violate Ceasefire in J-K, Suffer 'Heavy Casualties' After Indian Army Retaliates

On Wednesday, Pakistani troops initiated unprovoked firing on Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, specifically targeting the Krishna Ghati sector. The Indian Army responded decisively, leading to significant casualties on the Pakistani side. While exact figures remain unconfirmed, reports suggest that Pakistani forces suffered "heavy casualties" during the exchange.

This incident follows a tragic event the previous day, where two Indian Army personnel, including a captain, lost their lives due to an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion near the LoC in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu district. Such ceasefire violations have been rare since India and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2021. However, recent activities indicate a concerning escalation.

In the Krishna Ghati sector, Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked firing on a forward post in the Tarkundi area along the LoC. The Indian Army's strong retaliation reportedly resulted in substantial casualties among Pakistani forces. An undated video circulating on social media shows a Pakistani army officer paying last respects to fallen soldiers, further indicating the severity of the losses.

Additionally, a junior commissioned officer (JCO) of the Indian Army sustained minor injuries after accidentally stepping on a landmine in the same sector. The JCO, a resident of Mendhar, was part of a patrol tasked with monitoring the LoC to prevent terrorist infiltration. He was promptly evacuated to a military hospital for treatment.

The LoC has witnessed heightened tensions recently, with multiple hostile activities reported over the past week. This latest ceasefire violation marks the first of the year and the fourth cross-border incident in five days.

On Monday, a soldier was struck by a bullet from across the border while stationed at a forward post in the Kalal area of the Nowshera sector in Rajouri district. Earlier, on February 8, an Army patrol came under terrorist fire from a forested area across the LoC in Rajouri's Keri sector, where terrorists appeared to be waiting for an opportunity to infiltrate into the Indian side.

During the night of February 4 and 5, a landmine explosion reportedly caused casualties among terrorists attempting to infiltrate into India from across the LoC in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district.

In response to these developments, on February 10, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, General Officer Commanding of the Jammu-based White Knight Corps, reviewed the "hostile activities" along the LoC in Rajouri district. He, along with other senior officers, visited forward areas in the Rajouri sector to assess the prevailing security situation. The corps commander commended all ranks for their vigilance and unwavering operational focus, urging them to remain prepared for all contingencies.

These incidents underscore the fragile nature of the ceasefire agreement and highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining peace along the LoC. The Indian Army's prompt and decisive responses aim to deter further violations and ensure the security of its personnel and territory.