Srinagar: A brief exchange of fire occurred at the Nagrota Military Station late Saturday night, May 10, 2025, after an alert sentry noticed suspicious movement near the perimeter, according to the Indian Army's White Knight Corps. The sentry, upon spotting the unusual activity, issued a challenge, which led to a short gunfire exchange with the suspect. The sentry sustained a minor injury during the incident.
The White Knight Corps confirmed the incident in a post on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "On noticing suspicious movement near the perimeter, alert sentry at Nagrota Military Station issued a challenge, leading to a brief exchange of fire with the suspect." Following the exchange, search operations were launched in and around the area to locate the intruder or intruders.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Just hours before the shooting, multiple explosions were reported in Srinagar after both nations had agreed to a ceasefire. Air raid sirens rang out across the city, triggering panic among residents. Similar disturbances were reported in North Kashmir's Baramulla and Central Kashmir's Budgam districts.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his shock over the situation, tweeting, "What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!" He further commented, "This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up." Abdullah's remarks underscore the growing concerns over the stability of the ceasefire agreement.
In a separate but related incident, the Indian Army reported that the gunfire exchange at Nagrota coincided with drone attacks and artillery shelling from Pakistan along the Line of Control and International Border. The escalation of hostilities prompted Indian officials to reaffirm their commitment to responding firmly to any violations.
On Sunday, May 11, 2025, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a special briefing, stating that Pakistan had violated the ceasefire agreement reached earlier in the day between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. Misri noted, "For the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan. This is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today."
In the wake of these violations, the Indian Armed Forces have been instructed to maintain a strong vigil and respond decisively to any further incidents along the border. Misri emphasized, "We take very, very serious note of these violations," calling on Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address the situation responsibly.
The situation has been further complicated by the recent launch of Operation Sindoor by India on May 7, in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. This military operation targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which has led to an increase in tensions along the border.
As the situation continues to evolve, a blackout has been enforced in several areas of Punjab, including Pathankot, Ludhiana, Moga, Ferozepur, and Jalandhar. This measure appears to be a precautionary response to the escalating tensions and the potential for further military action.
In response to the unrest, local police have urged residents to report any suspicious activity, while cautioning against spreading unverified information that could incite panic. A police spokesman stated, "People are advised to report any suspicious movement to the police for proper verification. Uploading and forwarding unverified messages (about the presence of terrorists) on social media creates panic among the general public."
Authorities are working to maintain peace and normalcy in the region, emphasizing cooperation with law enforcement as essential to ensuring safety. Reports of terrorist activity in the R S Pura sector have been dismissed as baseless by police, who are keen to manage public perception and prevent unnecessary alarm.
The Indian Army's White Knight Corps continues its search operations at the Nagrota Military Station to track down the intruder involved in the exchange of fire. As the situation develops, both military and civilian authorities are on high alert, prepared to respond to any further escalations.
With the backdrop of fragile peace agreements and ongoing military operations, the region remains tense. The recent incidents highlight the precarious nature of security in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the broader implications for India-Pakistan relations.
As the Indian government navigates this complex landscape, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of its citizens while addressing the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism and military provocations.
