"No exchange of heavy-caliber weapons has taken place," the statement read.
New Delhi: The Indian Army on Thursday clarified that the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) remains intact, despite reports suggesting major casualties on the Pakistani side following an alleged Indian retaliation. The Army emphasized that the ceasefire agreement between the two nations continues to be observed as per the mutual understanding.
In an official statement, the Army acknowledged some "stray incidents" of cross-LoC firing and a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast but maintained that these were being addressed through established military communication mechanisms. "No exchange of heavy-caliber weapons has taken place," the statement read.
Ceasefire Holding Since 2021 Despite Strained Relations
The ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, which was reaffirmed in February 2021, has largely held despite diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The agreement was seen as a breakthrough, particularly after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, which had escalated tensions and led to Indian airstrikes on Balakot inside Pakistan.
The 2021 ceasefire was reinforced through back-channel diplomacy, mainly conducted through intelligence and security officials in neutral locations. At the time, both countries issued a joint statement, confirming their commitment to "strict observance of all agreements and ceasefire" to ensure peace along the borders.
Minor Incidents Not Uncommon, Says Army
The Indian Army reiterated that occasional minor incidents along the LoC are not unusual and that concerns regarding recent developments have been conveyed to the Pakistan Army at the appropriate level. The statement assured that the situation remains stable and under close monitoring while Indian troops continue to maintain a high level of alertness and dominance along the LoC.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that small arms fire was exchanged at Tarkundi in Poonch’s Bhimber Gali sector on Wednesday afternoon. Around 3 PM, Pakistani troops reportedly fired 15 rounds at an Indian post, prompting an immediate but measured retaliation from Indian forces in the Krishna Ghati sector.
A 2.27-minute video circulating on social media allegedly shows a Pakistani Army officer attending the funeral of fallen soldiers, where he urges mourners to pray for the deceased. The officer reportedly mentioned Havaldar Sajjad as one of the casualties. However, the authenticity of the video remains unverified.
Despite these developments, the Indian Army remains firm in its stance that no significant violation of the ceasefire has occurred and that efforts are being made to maintain peace along the border.
