Tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir surged late on May 6, 2025, as Pakistan once again violated the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in the Bhimber Gali sector of the Poonch-Rajauri region. This escalation came just hours after India’s armed forces launched Operation Sindoor-a series of precision strikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)-in direct retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Operation Sindoor was executed in the early hours of May 7, with Indian forces striking carefully selected terror infrastructure in Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and other key locations linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that these actions were "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," deliberately avoiding Pakistani military or civilian facilities to minimize the risk of wider conflict.
In retaliation, Pakistani forces initiated heavy artillery shelling in Bhimber Gali, affecting several villages in Poonch and Rajauri. Local reports confirm civilian casualties and property damage as the shelling intensified, marking a sharp escalation from routine small-arms fire to full-scale artillery exchanges. The Indian Army, in a statement on X, confirmed the violation and assured the public that it is "responding appropriately in a calibrated manner" to maintain stability and deter further escalation.
The Indian Army’s response has been swift yet restrained, focusing on neutralizing threats without provoking a broader conflict. Senior officials reiterated that India’s actions remain within the bounds of international norms, targeting only terror infrastructure and exercising considerable restraint despite continued provocations from across the border
This latest ceasefire violation underscores the volatility of the LoC and the risks faced by civilians in border areas. The government has moved residents in affected villages to bunkers and reinforced security measures to prevent further casualties8. Meanwhile, India has reiterated its commitment to holding those responsible for the Pahalgam attack accountable, with a detailed briefing on Operation Sindoor expected soon.
