Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu

Jammu, May 5: For the eleventh consecutive day, the Pakistan Army engaged in unprovoked small arms firing across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a prompt and proportional response from Indian forces, according to the Defence Ministry.

“During the night of 04-05 May 2025, Pakistan Army posts resorted to unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in J&K,” the statement read.

This marks a continuation of aggressive activity from the Pakistani side, as similar firings were reported the previous night as well. The Indian Army has maintained a firm stance, responding proportionately to safeguard territorial integrity and prevent any infiltration attempts.

The cross-border tensions have sharply intensified following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 civilians—including 25 tourists—were killed by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives allegedly supported by Pakistan.

The attack has triggered nationwide outrage and a firm declaration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Condemning the “cowardly act,” PM Modi vowed that terrorists and their handlers would be “hunted down to the ends of the earth.”

In the wake of the Pahalgam massacre, India has taken several retaliatory measures:

• Deportation of Pakistani nationals residing in India.
• Closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing.
• Suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.
• Closure of Indian airspace to Pakistani commercial flights.
• Halt of all trade and cultural exchange activities with Pakistan.

Further, PM Modi has granted full operational freedom to the Indian armed forces to avenge the killings. This decision followed high-level consultations involving Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the service chiefs.

On April 28, Rajnath Singh held a 40-minute review with the Prime Minister after receiving a detailed readiness briefing from the military leadership.
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also met Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in Srinagar to review the internal security situation. He directed the armed forces to use “whatever force is required” to eliminate the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack.

In a show of strength and deterrence, security forces have begun demolishing properties belonging to known terrorists. As of now, 10 houses have been razed, including those of Adil Hussain Thokar and Asif Sheikh—members of the LeT cell allegedly involved in the April 22 massacre.

The J&K Assembly on April 28 unanimously condemned the Pahalgam attack, passing a resolution denouncing terrorism and expressing solidarity with the victims' families.