Pakistani Troops Continue Ceasefire Violations as Tensions Rise; US, UN, and Pakistan Respond

By A Staff Reporter

JAMMU & KASHMIR: Pakistani troops have continued their ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) for the eighth consecutive night, with unprovoked firing reported in the districts of Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Naushera, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian military officials confirmed that they responded proportionately to the provocation, but the situation remains tense amid ongoing cross-border skirmishes.

This series of violations comes amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, which left 26 people dead, including tourists and a local Kashmiri. The Indian military has remained on high alert, particularly in the regions affected by the repeated ceasefire violations.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth extended strong support for India during a call with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, expressing solidarity in the aftermath of the attack. Hegseth’s call is part of a broader wave of US leaders reaching out to India to offer condolences and encourage continued cooperation in the fight against terrorism. This support follows the growing international concern over the deadly terrorist incident attributed to Pakistan-based militants.

On the global front, the UN Security Council has been made aware of the situation. Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, the President of the Council for May, stated that the body could take up the issue if such a request is formally made. This marks a potential avenue for international diplomatic discussions on the ongoing security concerns in the region.

Meanwhile, in Islamabad, Pakistan's leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, convened to discuss the deteriorating security situation. In a joint statement following their meeting, they reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The statement emphasized that Pakistan would respond “in a befitting manner” to any act of aggression, signaling a potential escalation if tensions continue to rise.