Pakistan Shells LoC After Indian Strikes, Airport Shut
Tensions flare as Pakistan unleashes heavy shelling on LoC after Indian retaliatory strikes; Srinagar airport remains closed.
Pakistan Shells Indian Posts Along LoC, Srinagar Airport Shut Amid Escalating Tensions
In a dramatic escalation of border tensions, Pakistan launched a wave of heavy artillery fire along the Line of Control (LoC) early Wednesday, just hours after India conducted precision strikes targeting nine terror launchpads across the border. The shelling, which marks the first large-scale assault since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, prompted Indian security forces to go on high alert, and led to the temporary closure of the Srinagar airport for civilian flights.
LoC Tensions Flare After Indian Retaliatory Strikes
The early morning barrage was seen as a direct response to India’s retaliatory missile strikes, which came in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 civilian lives—one of the deadliest in nearly two decades. Pakistan’s targeting of Indian positions in border areas like Uri and Kupwara marked a significant escalation compared to previous ceasefire violations, which had primarily involved small arms fire or brief skirmishes.
“This is the first instance in two weeks where heavy artillery has been used along the LoC,” a senior defense official confirmed, noting that the areas struck included both civilian and military targets.
Airport Closure and Valley on Edge
As tensions mounted, the Srinagar airport announced a shutdown of all civilian operations for the day. Anti-aircraft guns rang out across the Valley, and air raid sirens blared from the 15 Corps headquarters, signaling the seriousness of the situation. Authorities have ramped up surveillance, and security forces remain on high alert to prevent further escalation or infiltration attempts.
According to local sources, panic gripped several border villages as families sought shelter amid the shelling. The use of heavy weaponry has reignited fears of a larger military confrontation, with residents and analysts alike closely watching the unfolding situation.
Ceasefire Agreement Under Strain
Wednesday’s shelling wasn’t an isolated event. Pakistan has violated the February 2021 ceasefire agreement at least 15 times between January and early April 2025. However, the recent wave of attacks since the Pahalgam incident reflects a more systematic attempt to destabilize the region, officials say.
Unlike previous flare-ups, the current cross-border violence has involved simultaneous attacks on multiple Indian posts. “This pattern of widespread shelling is unprecedented since the 2021 ceasefire and appears coordinated,” a defense analyst told this publication.
Strategic and Political Implications
The timing of Pakistan’s shelling—coming just after India’s targeted retaliation—raises questions about the broader geopolitical calculus. Defense experts believe Pakistan is attempting to divert attention from its internal security issues while also signaling to its domestic audience that it remains responsive to Indian strikes.
Dr. Arvind Kumar, a senior fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, explained, “Such escalation serves multiple objectives for Islamabad—domestically it projects strength, while internationally it aims to provoke a reaction from global powers watching the region closely.”
India, meanwhile, has opted for a firm but measured response, focusing on strategic deterrence rather than open confrontation. The defense ministry has not ruled out further retaliatory measures if cross-border violations persist.
Civilian Safety and Diplomatic Channels
With both nations nuclear-armed and historically volatile, international observers have called for restraint. The United Nations has yet to release a statement, but backchannel diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to de-escalate the standoff.
For now, the focus remains on safeguarding civilian lives. Emergency services have been deployed in border regions, and evacuation drills are being conducted in high-risk zones. “Our priority is the safety of our people,” said a local administrator from Kupwara district, where some of the heaviest shelling was reported.
Looking Ahead: A Fragile Peace at Risk
As artillery fire continues to echo across the LoC, the once-promising ceasefire agreement now hangs in the balance. While India has the military advantage and international support on its side, the risk of further provocation remains high.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether this flare-up leads to deeper conflict or whether cooler diplomatic heads can steer the situation back from the brink. Either way, the security calculus in Jammu and Kashmir has shifted dramatically—underscoring the fragile peace that continues to define the region.
Conclusion
The latest escalation along the India-Pakistan border is a stark reminder of the enduring volatility in the region. As artillery fire replaces diplomacy, the stakes grow higher—not just for the soldiers stationed along the LoC, but for the millions living under the shadow of conflict. A sustainable peace will require more than temporary ceasefires; it demands trust, accountability, and a renewed commitment to dialogue. Until then, vigilance will remain the Valley’s new normal.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on available reports and verified sources as of May 7, 2025. Events are evolving rapidly, and readers are advised to consult official updates for the latest information.
source : Hindustan Times