Pakistan violates ceasefire in J&K’s Poonch, Indian army retaliates

Security agencies have also launched a seek-and-destroy operation in the Panjtirthi-Barota forested area to track down three suspected terrorists.

The Pakistan Army, on Tuesday, intruded into the Poonch district, violating the 2021 ceasefire agreement between the two nations. The intrusion led to a mine blast in the Krishna Ghati (KG) sector, followed by unprovoked firing, triggering a strong retaliation from the Indian Army, according to Defence PRO, Jammu.

"On 01 Apr 25, a mine blast occurred in Krishna Ghati Sector due to Pakistan Army intrusion across LC. This was followed by unprovoked firing and a ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army. Own troops responded effectively in a controlled and calibrated manner. The situation is under control and being closely monitored," as per a statement released by the Army.

The Nangi Tekri Battalion, under the Krishna Ghati Brigade, responded effectively, ensuring that the situation remained under control while monitoring further developments, as per the statement.

The ceasefire violation in Poonch coincides with intensified security operations in Kathua, where security forces engaged terrorists in a fresh encounter in the Panjtirthi area. A joint operation involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF was launched after suspicious movement was detected on March 31, leading to an exchange of fire.

The Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army, confirming the ongoing operations, stated, “Acting on intelligence inputs, multiple surveillance and ambush teams were deployed in the Panjtirthi region by the Indian Army, JK Police, and CRPF. Suspicious movement was observed on the night of March 31, leading to an exchange of fire. Search-and-destroy operations were launched at first light on April 1. Operations are still in progress.”

Security agencies have also launched a seek-and-destroy operation in the Panjtirthi-Barota forested area to track down three suspected terrorists. As per officials cited in a PTI report, the group had first clashed with security forces near the International Border (IB) on March 23 but managed to escape.

Following this, four days later, two terrorists were neutralised in a separate encounter in Kathua’s Sanyal belt, while the remaining fled into the dense forests. The entire area has been placed under heavy surveillance and cordon, with security forces conducting a massive search operation.