New Delhi (National Times): The Indian Army on Thursday clarified that the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) continues to be upheld, despite reports suggesting Pakistani casualties following an alleged Indian retaliation. The Army emphasized that the agreement between the two nations remains in force and that no heavy-caliber weapons have been used in any exchange.
Minor Incidents Addressed Through Military Channels
In an official statement, the Indian Army acknowledged “stray incidents” of cross-border firing and a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast, but assured that these incidents were being handled through established military communication channels. “There has been no large-scale exchange of fire or escalation,” the Army statement read.
The clarification comes amid speculation that Indian forces retaliated strongly to a ceasefire violation, allegedly causing casualties on the Pakistani side. However, the Army has stated that such reports are exaggerated and that the overall situation remains stable and under control.
Ceasefire Agreement Holding Since 2021
The India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement, reaffirmed in February 2021, has largely held, despite diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The agreement was a result of back-channel talks and was seen as a crucial step in preventing further escalations after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, which led to the Balakot airstrikes by India.
The ceasefire announcement in 2021 was accompanied by a joint statement from both nations, where the director generals of military operations agreed to “strict observance of all agreements and ceasefire along the LoC and other sectors.”
Indian Army Remains Vigilant
Sources indicate that small arms fire was exchanged in the Tarkundi area of Poonch’s Bhimber Gali sector around 3 PM on Wednesday, when Pakistani troops fired approximately 15 rounds at an Indian post. Indian troops reportedly responded in the Krishna Ghati sector, though the extent of damage on the Pakistani side remains unconfirmed.
A 2.27-minute video circulating on social media allegedly shows a Pakistani Army officer attending the funeral of soldiers, where he urges people to pray for the deceased. He reportedly mentioned Havaldar Sajjad among those killed. However, the authenticity of the video has not been verified.
Despite these developments, the Indian Army reiterated that no major ceasefire violation has occurred and that Indian forces continue to maintain a high level of alertness and dominance along the LoC to ensure border security.
