A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was injured during unprovoked firing from the Pakistani side along the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor on Wednesday. The incident occurred at around 2:35 AM and was promptly responded to by the BSF.
According to an official statement from the BSF, “There was an incident of unprovoked firing in [the] Akhnoor area from across the border, which was befittingly responded to by the BSF. One BSF personnel sustained injuries in Pak firing. Our troops are on high alert.”
This marks another instance of ceasefire violations from Pakistan, following multiple breaches last year. In 2022, there were at least four ceasefire violations, one of which resulted in the death of a BSF trooper.
Ceasefire Agreement
India and Pakistan reached an agreement to uphold the 2003 ceasefire accord following a meeting between the Directors General of Military Operations in February 2021. Despite the accord, sporadic cross-border firing incidents continue to occur.
Prior to the renewed commitment to enforcing the ceasefire, 72 incidents of cross-border firing were reported along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) in early 2021. The most significant spike in violations was recorded in 2020, with 5,133 incidents—the highest since the 2003 ceasefire agreement. The rise in ceasefire violations was notably high in 2019, with 3,479 incidents, coinciding with the Indian government’s decision to revoke Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status.
Rising Tensions Along the Border
Tensions between India and Pakistan remain high despite the 2021 ceasefire agreement. The frequent incidents of cross-border firing have led to casualties on both sides, with civilians and security forces bearing the brunt of the violations. India’s security forces, including the BSF, have been maintaining a heightened state of alert along the border to prevent further escalation.