India’s military operations in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir claimed the lives of over 100 militants, according to Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, who oversees military operations in India. The strikes, targeting nine militant facilities including those linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, occurred shortly after both nations agreed to a ceasefire aimed at easing escalating tensions. Ghai stated that the Indian forces achieved “total surprise” during the operations, asserting that the Pakistani response was disorganised.
Despite the announcement of a ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities, clashes reignited hours after the agreement, with both nations accusing each other of violating the truce. Reports indicated the presence of drones over Indian-controlled areas, further straining the situation. This uptick in violence followed a gun attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, a strike that India attributed to Pakistan, which denied involvement.
Observations from residents along the Line of Control reflect a state of distress. Many in the Poonch region reported being traumatised by recent shelling, while others expressed uncertainty following the brief ceasefire. Residents in Pakistan-administered Kashmir noted continued exchanges of fire, reinforcing their discontent even after the truce was announced.
The ceasefire was publicised by US President Donald Trump on social media, prompting gratitude from Pakistan towards the United States for facilitating the agreement. While Pakistani officials celebrated the development, India has not publicly acknowledged Trump’s involvement. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with military and government leaders to discuss the situation.
The United Nations welcomed the ceasefire as a positive sign towards reducing tensions, with a spokesperson noting hopes for a more durable solution to the long-standing disputes between the two nations. As events unfold, senior military officials from both countries are set to speak, aiming to address the persistent skirmishes that have characterised the India-Pakistan relationship.
Kashmir remains a heavily contested region, with a history of conflict that has led to two of their three wars. Both nations insist they act defensively, blaming one another for initiating violence. The seething tensions encapsulate a continuum of mutual suspicion and aggressive rhetoric as they navigate their fraught relationship over this strategic territory, which is claimed in full by both but divided along the Line of Control.