Jammu: The Indian Army has delivered a strong and effective response to unprovoked small arms firing initiated by the Pakistan Army across the Line of Control (LoC) during the night of April 30 and May 1. The incidents occurred in areas opposite the Kupwara district, as well as the Uri and Akhnoor sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, according to official sources.
This marks the seventh consecutive day of Indian retaliation following initial ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces on the night of April 25-26. Indian troops have responded decisively each time, with earlier engagements reported in the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors. Additional violations were later confirmed in the Baramulla and Kupwara districts and even along the International Border in the Pargwal sector.
In a significant diplomatic and strategic move, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Wednesday announced the closure of Indian airspace to all aircraft registered in Pakistan or operated by Pakistani airlines. The ban, detailed in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), will remain in effect from April 30 to May 23 (subject to extension) and includes both civilian and military flights. This follows Pakistan’s own airspace closure to Indian flights six days earlier.
The escalating tensions come in the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which left 26 people dead. In response, Indian security forces have ramped up anti-terror operations across the Kashmir Valley, with the government granting the military full operational autonomy to counter cross-border terrorism.
In addition to military action, India has also taken several diplomatic steps against Pakistan. These include suspending the Indus Water Treaty, shutting down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and reducing the staff strength at both countries’ High Commissions.
