The Indian Army on Wednesday reported that the Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire agreement by crossing the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, specifically in the Krishna Ghati sector.
According to Army PRO Lt. Colonel Suneel Bartwal, the intrusion led to a mine explosion, followed by unprovoked gunfire from Pakistani troops.
“On April 1, a mine blast took place in the Krishna Ghati sector due to an incursion by the Pakistan Army across the LoC. This was followed by unprovoked firing and a ceasefire violation,” Bartwal stated.
He further emphasized that Indian forces responded effectively in a controlled and calibrated manner, ensuring that the situation remains under control and is being closely monitored.
The Indian Army reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement reached in 2021 between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan, which was aimed at maintaining peace along the LoC.
Clarification on LoC Intrusion
Later, the Army PRO issued an updated statement, which omitted direct reference to the Pakistani intrusion. While this clarification appeared to reaffirm that the sanctity of the LoC was maintained, it did not explicitly deny that a violation occurred.
When questioned about the mine explosion, the PRO explained that both sides perceive the LoC differently in certain areas due to the absence of a clear demarcation. He suggested that someone may have accidentally stepped on the mine, leading to the blast.
Sources indicated that the incident took place in the Nangi Tikti area of the Krishna Ghati sector.
Security Concerns Ahead of Home Minister Amit Shah’s J&K Visit
This development comes at a time when Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on April 7-8. His visit coincides with an ongoing security operation by the armed forces and the Union Territory police in the Kathua district, where a group of militants has been engaged in combat with security personnel for over 11 days.
Operation Against Militants in Kathua
Security forces in Kathua have been engaged in an extensive counter-terrorism operation, during which two militants have been neutralized so far. However, efforts continue to locate three other terrorists who are believed to be hiding in the dense forests of Ramkote.
The operation turned deadly on March 27, when four policemen lost their lives after militants, taking advantage of their strategic position on a hilltop, opened fire on the search team.
Militants Suspected to Have Crossed International Border
Authorities suspect that the five-member militant group infiltrated Indian territory via the international border with Pakistan last week. The first engagement between security forces and the militants occurred on March 23 in the Saniyal village forests, but the terrorists managed to escape.
Situation Remains Tense but Under Control
With security forces maintaining high alert along the LoC and within Jammu and Kashmir, the situation in Poonch and Kathua remains tense but under control. The Army and police continue their operations, ensuring that further infiltration attempts or security threats are swiftly addressed.