Pakistan opens fire across LoC near Kupwara, Poonch; India retaliates

Pakistani Army targets Indian positions across LoC in Kupwara, Poonch; Indian troops respond swiftly to fourth consecutive day of ceasefire violations

For the fourth consecutive day, Pakistani Army posts engaged in unprovoked small arms fire across the Line of Control (LoC), targeting regions opposite the Kupwara and Poonch districts in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident took place during the intervening night of April 27 and 28. The Indian Army responded swiftly to the provocation.

 

"During the night of April 27-28, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite the Kupwara and Poonch districts. Indian troops responded swiftly and effectively," the Indian Army said. 

 

Security forces step up operations

 

Tensions continue to simmer along the LoC even as security forces ramp up anti-terror operations across the Kashmir Valley following the Pahalgam terror attack.

 

In a separate development, Kulgam police, in a joint operation with the Army and CRPF, arrested two terrorist associates and seized a cache of arms and ammunition in Kulgam district.

 

According to an official statement, during a routine checkpoint at Matalhama Chowk Thokerpora, Qaimoh, two suspects were intercepted and taken into custody. They have been identified as Bilal Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Salam Bhat, and Mohd Ismail Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, both residents of Thokerpora, Qaimoh. Upon searching them, security forces recovered two pistols, two pistol magazines, and 25 rounds of pistol ammunition.

 

A case has been registered under relevant sections at Police Station Qaimoh, and further investigation is underway.

 

Pahalgam attack

 

On April 22, terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists at the Baisaran meadow in Anantnag district's Pahalgam area, resulting in the deaths of 26 people and leaving several others injured.

 

Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched a series of punitive measures against Pakistan. These actions included suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, downgrading diplomatic presence, and shutting down the Integrated Check Post at Attari — a key land link between the two countries. 

 

  The government also withdrew visa privileges granted under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, cancelled all visas previously issued to Pakistani citizens, blocked access to Pakistan’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle in India, and ordered Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours.

 

(With agency inputs)