India Retaliates After Pakistan Army Opens Fire Along LoC; Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Post Pahalgam Terror Attack

New Delhi/Jammu, April 24: In a dramatic escalation of hostilities along the Line of Control (LoC), the Pakistan Army opened unprovoked fire on Indian positions in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The Indian Army swiftly retaliated, neutralizing the threat without any reported casualties.

This fresh exchange of fire follows closely on the heels of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians—mostly tourists—dead, and pushed bilateral relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors to a boiling point.

No Casualties in LoC Clash, But Tensions Skyrocket

According to an official statement by the Indian Army, the cross-border firing was effectively countered, and efforts are ongoing to monitor the situation on the ground. “There are no reports of any casualties so far. Further details are being ascertained,” an Indian Army official told news agency ANI.

The attack at Pahalgam, which the Indian government blames on Pakistan-backed terror groups, has been labeled as a “turning point” in diplomatic ties.

India Responds: Visas Revoked, Borders Closed, Water Treaty Suspended

In a strong and swift diplomatic counter, India has taken a slew of bold actions:

• Revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals
• Closed the Attari-Wagah border indefinitely
• Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with immediate effect

India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the steps necessary in light of “Pakistan’s continuous support to cross-border terrorism and refusal to engage in any meaningful dialogue.”

A letter sent by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Water Resources, to her Pakistani counterpart Syed Ali Murtaza, cited “security uncertainties” as a major reason for withdrawing from the historic 1960 treaty. The government emphasized that evolving demographics, energy demands, and Pakistan’s alleged treaty violations contributed to the decision.

Pakistan Strikes Back Diplomatically

In a tit-for-tat response, Pakistan has announced the suspension of the 1972 Simla Agreement, the foundational peace accord signed post the 1971 war. Islamabad condemned India’s moves as “unilateral and provocative” but stopped short of announcing further military measures.

Army Martyr in Udhampur Operation

In a related development, Indian Army personnel Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF was martyred during a counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on April 24. He had sustained critical injuries in an encounter and later succumbed to them despite medical efforts.

Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation based on credible intel about terrorist presence. An intense gunfight broke out when the terrorists opened fire, leading to yet another bloody confrontation in the Valley.

What Lies Ahead?

The recent incidents mark a sharp downturn in Indo-Pak relations, with military, diplomatic, and water-sharing frameworks now under severe strain. Analysts believe these steps could reshape South Asian geopolitics and potentially drag international stakeholders into regional conflict mediation.

India has made it clear: the era of tolerance towards cross-border terror is over. Whether this hard stance results in peace or prolonged tension remains to be seen.