Ceasefire Violations Escalate as India and Pakistan Tensions Rise
Ceasefire Breach by Pakistan Army
On Friday, the Pakistan Army breached the ceasefire along the Line of Control for the ninth consecutive night, engaging in small arms fire in the Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, according to reports.
The Indian Army reacted swiftly and proportionately, as stated by a defense ministry spokesperson.
This escalation occurs amid heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Starting on April 24, the Pakistani Army initiated small arms fire targeting military posts in Kupwara and Baramulla, with violations now extending to Poonch, Akhnoor, Sunderbani, Naushera, and the Pargwal sector along the International Border in Jammu.
In February 2021, both nations had agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control after discussions between their military operations directors. They reaffirmed commitments made during the 2003 ceasefire agreement to address mutual concerns.
Since then, the ceasefire has generally held, although India has accused Pakistan of multiple violations from 2022 to 2024.
The recent terror attack in Baisaran on April 22 resulted in 26 fatalities and 17 injuries, with attackers reportedly targeting tourists based on their religious identity.
In the aftermath of the attack, both countries have exchanged diplomatic barbs.
New Delhi suspended visa services for Pakistani citizens, revoking all valid visas from April 27, except for medical purposes, which remain valid until April 29. Pakistani nationals in India under the SAARC visa scheme were given 48 hours to exit.
By the deadline, 537 Pakistanis had departed India via the Attari-Wagah border.
India's Ministry of External Affairs also cautioned its citizens against traveling to Pakistan and advised those already there to return home.
Following the attack, India announced that the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty would be suspended until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.
India declared Pakistan's military and defense advisers in New Delhi persona non grata and announced the withdrawal of its defense advisers from Islamabad.
On Wednesday, India closed its airspace to all aircraft registered or operated by Pakistan.
In response, Pakistan announced the suspension of the 1972 Simla Agreement with India, which recognized the Line of Control as the de facto boundary in Jammu and Kashmir.
On Friday, India imposed a ban on imports from Pakistan.
Social Media Restrictions on Pakistani Cricketers
Instagram Accounts of Pakistani Cricketers Blocked
Several Instagram accounts of Pakistani cricketers, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, have been blocked in India following a legal request from authorities.
Other players affected include Shan Masood, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan, and former cricketers Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Shahid Afridi.
The account of Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and cricketer-turned-politician, is also inaccessible in India.
On May 1, the Instagram account of Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem and several Pakistani actors were similarly blocked.
On April 27, the Indian government banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading false and provocative content following the Pahalgam attack.