Heavy shelling erupted along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on May 7, 2025, as Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire agreement by launching intense artillery fire towards the Indian side. The Indian Army responded with equal force to the shelling, which resulted in injuries to a mother and daughter caught in the crossfire.
According to reports, the situation escalated further as Pakistan allegedly aimed at United Nations assets in Jammu and Kashmir. An artillery shell fired by the Pakistan Army narrowly missed a UN field station, landing outside its gate in Poonch, approximately 160 kilometers from Srinagar. This act has raised alarms about the ongoing tensions in the region.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the flare-up in India-Pakistan tensions, emphasizing that the world cannot afford a confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations. In a statement, Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief's spokesperson, noted, "The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries."
The shelling and subsequent military responses came on a day when India launched a tri-services operation named Operation Sindoor. This operation was initiated to avenge the brutal Pahalgam attack on April 22, where 25 tourists and a Kashmiri pony ride operator were killed by terrorists. Defense sources revealed that precision strikes were conducted on nine bases used by terror groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, marking the first tri-services operation since 1971.
In retaliation for these strikes, Pakistan resumed its artillery fire across the LoC and the International Border, continuing to breach the ceasefire agreement. The Indian Army reported that three civilians had been killed due to the "arbitrary and indiscriminate" firing and artillery shelling from the Pakistani side.
As a precautionary measure following the escalation of hostilities, schools and colleges in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch were ordered to remain closed on May 7. The Divisional Commissioner of Jammu announced the closures on social media, stating, "In view of the prevailing situation all School, Colleges & educational institutions in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch will remain closed today."
The closure of educational institutions is a direct response to the heightened tensions following India's strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan, which included significant targets in Bahawalpur and Muridke. The Indian defense ministry described the strikes as "focused, measured and non-escalatory" in nature, clarifying that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted during the operation.
Operation Sindoor, named symbolically after the red vermillion worn by Hindu women to signify marriage, reflects a calculated military response to the Pahalgam incident. The operation serves as a reminder of the tragic loss of life and the impact of terrorism on civilians, particularly women who witnessed the horrific killings of their husbands during the attack.
In the wake of these events, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar issued a terse message, emphasizing the international community's need for "zero tolerance for terrorism." This statement underscores India's ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan have a long and complex history, with numerous ceasefire violations reported over the years. The recent escalation is particularly concerning given the ongoing military operations and the potential for further conflict. Analysts warn that continued hostilities could lead to severe humanitarian consequences and destabilize the already volatile region.
As the situation unfolds, both nations remain on high alert, with military forces prepared for any further developments. The international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions and a return to dialogue between the two countries.
In summary, the events of May 7, 2025, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, with military operations and civilian casualties highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic solutions. The world continues to hold its breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding issues that plague this region.
