Rising India-Pakistan Border Tensions: Pakistani Forces Fire at Indian Military Positions in Kashmir
Srinagar, India – April 26, 2025
According to an AP report, Pakistani troops opened fire on Indian military positions on Saturday, marking the second such incident in the disputed Kashmir region in just two days. In a statement, the Indian Army said that the attack originated from Pakistani posts along the Line of Control (LoC).
Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following an attack on tourists last week. India has labeled the attack a “terrorist act” and accused Pakistan of involvement—an accusation Pakistan has denied. The assault near Pahalgam in Kashmir killed 26 people, most of whom were Indian tourists. An unknown militant group calling itself “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility.
It was one of the deadliest armed attacks in Kashmir in years. Following the incident, tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors reached a peak. India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over the Kashmir region, which is divided between them but claimed in full by both.
The Indian Army stated, “Pakistani troops fired on Indian positions along multiple posts of the Line of Control in Kashmir. Indian troops responded appropriately using small arms,” though no casualties have been reported.
Meanwhile, both sides have continued to blame each other for the clashes, and independent verification of these incidents remains difficult.
Escalation and Tit-for-Tat Measures
In response to the attack in Kashmir, India has suspended a key water-sharing agreement and halted visa issuance for Pakistani nationals via the only active land border. Pakistan, in turn, canceled visas for Indians, suspended air travel from India, and halted trade. Since Friday, citizens from both countries have begun returning to their homelands from the border.
On Saturday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that if India attempts to restrict water flow, Pakistan will respond with “full force.” He also said Pakistan is ready to participate in a “neutral, transparent, and credible investigation” into the tourist attack.
Meanwhile, Pakistani disaster management officials have ordered residents along rivers in Pakistan-administered Kashmir to evacuate, citing India’s alleged increase in water discharge.
Indian Army Raids and Crackdown on Households in Kashmir
Following Tuesday’s attack, Indian forces have launched an intensified crackdown in the Kashmir Valley. Indian police have detained and interrogated at least 1,500 people, and have demolished the homes of several suspected militants.
Additionally, as part of its standard “anti-militancy” strategy, Indian forces have destroyed the houses of some families suspected of sheltering militants. These actions have sparked fear among local residents, who now worry about possible government retaliation.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, saying, “This is their internal matter, and they will resolve it among themselves.”
