Tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad have sharply escalated as the Pakistan Army continued to fire at Indian military posts along the Line of Control (LoC) for the third consecutive day on Sunday. Officials reported that the Indian Army responded decisively to these provocations, signaling a growing likelihood of increased hostilities in the region following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.
The recent firings are seen as a signal from Islamabad to escalate the situation along the volatile border. The attack, believed to be orchestrated by Pakistan-backed terror groups, has already drawn a series of retaliatory measures from India. The Indian government has condemned Pakistan's role in the attack, taking actions including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari border crossing, the only operational land border between the two nations.
On the international front, China has expressed strong support for its ally Pakistan, urging both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of protecting Pakistan's sovereignty and security interests while calling for a fair investigation into the Pahalgam attack. Beijing's stance comes amid rising concerns over the conflict's potential to spiral further.
Meanwhile, India has taken decisive steps in the investigation. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally assumed control of the probe into the Pahalgam terror attack, which is believed to have been carried out by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) group and its affiliate, The Resistance Front (TRF). The NIA is conducting thorough investigations across the region to uncover the full scope of the terror conspiracy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his latest "Mann Ki Baat" address, expressed deep sorrow over the attack, pledging that the perpetrators and those responsible would face "the harshest response." In response to the ongoing tensions, Indian security forces have demolished the homes of three more suspected terrorists in South Kashmir and Bandipora, areas linked to the attack.
The situation at the border remains tense, with Indian troops on high alert. As a result of the strained relations, significant diplomatic movements have taken place, with a total of 850 Indians, including 14 diplomats, returning from Pakistan through the Wagah-Attari border. Similarly, 537 Pakistani nationals, including nine diplomats, have left India in the past few days.
Key Developments:
China expressed firm support for Pakistan, urging both nations to show restraint.
The NIA has officially taken over the investigation into the Pahalgam attack.
Pakistan's continued firing across the LoC intensifies tensions with India.
Indian troops responded firmly to provocations in north Kashmir’s Tutmari Gali and Rampur sectors.
Prime Minister Modi vowed a strong response to those responsible for the terror attack.
Security forces demolished the homes of suspected terrorists in South Kashmir and Bandipora.
The situation remains fluid, with both nations on high alert and international observers closely watching the unfolding crisis.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)