Three suspected infiltrators were reportedly killed on the Pakistan side of the Line of Control (LoC) opposite Tarkundi in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district. Along with the bodies, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and an anti-tank mine intended for planting on the Indian side of the LoC were recovered. The infiltrators were believed to be attempting to cause casualties in the Indian Army by planting explosives.
Ceasefire Maintained Along LoC Amid Tensions
While the incident has not been officially confirmed by Indian authorities, a statement from the Indian Army confirmed that the bilateral ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, which has been in place since February 25, 2021, continues to hold.
Both armies had agreed on a ceasefire along the LoC and International Border (IB), with only a few minor incidents reported since then. The ceasefire has allowed locals on both sides of the border to cultivate crops up to the Zero Line.
Bodies of Suspected Terrorists Found
Reports indicated that the bodies of the three suspected infiltrators were discovered on the Pakistan side of the LoC, near Tarkundi in Mendhar. The suspects are believed to have been terrorists attempting to infiltrate into India with the intention of planting an IED and anti-tank mine to cause casualties within the Indian Army. These items were found near their bodies.
The infiltrators are thought to have been killed yesterday afternoon, likely during a retaliatory action by Indian forces after a ceasefire violation by Pakistan.
IED and Anti-Tank Mine Recovered
The recovered items include:
- An Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
- An anti-tank mine
- Three claymore mines
- Three anti-personnel mines
These weapons and explosives were reportedly intended to be planted on the Indian side of the LoC. Authorities are investigating the nature of the explosives and their intended target.
Tensions Escalate Amid Cross-Border Skirmishes
In recent days, skirmishes along the LoC have raised concerns. Pakistan Army reportedly suffered heavy casualties in Indian Army retaliation to ceasefire violations, with five enemy troopers believed to have been killed.
There have been multiple reports suggesting that Pakistan’s military has been attempting to push infiltrators into India, along with arms and explosives. Despite these reports, no movement of infiltrators has been observed so far.
An alert has been issued for the LoC and IB areas in Jammu, with concerns about potential terrorist attacks targeting sensitive installations.
Indian Army’s Response
A statement issued by the Indian Army clarified that the ceasefire on the LoC is intact and continues to be maintained as per the agreement between both armies. The statement further read:
“Tension due to some stray incidents of cross-LoC firing and a suspected IED blast on one of our patrols is being dealt with through the established mechanism. No exchange of heavy-caliber weapons has taken place. Minor incidents are not unprecedented along the LoC. Concerns have been raised to the Pakistan Army at the appropriate level.”
The Indian Army assured that the situation remains stable and is being closely monitored, with forces maintaining a high state of alertness and dominating the LoC.
Security Measures Reviewed by National and Local Authorities
In response to ongoing security challenges, Union Home Minister has held three separate meetings in the past 10 days with top officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Army, paramilitary forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police, civil administration, and intelligence agencies. The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also chaired two consecutive meetings in the last two days to review the security situation in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
Sources revealed that the presence of terrorists in the upper reaches of some Jammu districts continues to be a concern for security agencies, and a strategy is being formulated to neutralize these threats.
Conclusion
While the ceasefire remains largely intact, the recent incidents underscore the ongoing security concerns along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring the safety and security of citizens and the military personnel deployed on the border.
