Major Escalation By Pakistan, Firing At International Border, India Responds

In a major escalation in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan opened fire along the International border in Jammu and Kashmir's Pargawal sector last night. Earlier, Islamabad had tried to provoke New Delhi by violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control. According to defence sources, India has responded effectively.

While the International Border is a boundary separating India and Pakistan, the Line of Control is a ceasefire line agreed upon during bilateral attempts to keep the peace. Firing across the international border is very rare and particularly provocative against the backdrop of rising tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam attack that left 25 innocent tourists and a Kashmiri dead.

Pakistan has been consistently violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control over the past few days. Last night, it opened fire at three key sectors in the Jammu region and the Indian Indian Army responded.

The terror attack in Pahalgam, which crossed the big red line of not targeting tourists and civilians, has sparked massive outrage across the country and the government has decided to crack down on Pakistan, known to back terror activities on Indian soil.

The Centre has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and visa services for Pakistan nationals. It has also downsized diplomatic staff and asked all Pakistani nationals to leave India. Pakistan has responded by threatening to suspend all bilateral pacts, including the Simla agreement that validates the Line of Control.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said there is "grief and rage" from Kargil to Kanyakumari after the terror attack. "This attack was not just on innocent tourists; the country's enemies have shown the audacity to attack India's soul," the Prime Minister has said.

He has said the terrorists who carried out the attack and those who plotted it would "get a punishment they cannot imagine". "The time has come to raze whatever is left of the terror haven. The will of 140 crores will break the back of the masters of terror," he said, his words directed at Pakistan.

As tensions escalate between the two countries, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately and strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack.

According to the United Nations statement, the Secretary-General noted the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for the attack through lawful means. He also underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences.