LoC truce tested by IIOJK unrest

Despite continued tensions between Pakistan and India, the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border has remained intact since it was renewed in February 2021.

However, the recent spate of attacks on the Indian security forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) may end the long pause in border clashes, according to people dealing with the subject.

As many as 11 Indian soldiers were killed this year in attacks in the disputed region.

The latest attack occurred on Saturday, resulting in the death of one Indian soldier and the injury of another during an encounter with militants along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district.

In a statement, the Indian Army claimed a "Pakistani intruder" was also killed in the encounter.

"Taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility along the Line of Control in the Machhal Sector, a group of two to three armed personnel crossed the LC and fired on a forward Army post from close proximity. Alert troops responded vigorously and, in the ensuing exchange of fire, one Pakistani intruder has been killed along with recovery of weapons, ammunition and war-like stores. Identification and affiliation of this Pakistani National is being ascertained," the statement said.

An unnamed senior army officer told Indian media that this was an "aggressive action" and indicated an escalation along the LoC.

There was no immediate reaction to the latest claims by the Indian Army blaming Pakistan for the recent attacks in Jammu region. However, Pakistan forces along the LoC are vigilant and ready to meet any challenge.

The latest attack on Indian army came a day after Kargil war anniversary, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a stern warning to Pakistan and said that the Indian Army would defeat every "terror challenge."

Against the backdrop of renewed unrest in the disputed region, Modi chaired a meeting last month and ordered the deployment of full spectrum "counter-terrorism" capability.

The resurgence of attacks in the occupied territory and Modi's threatening statements could potentially end the ceasefire along the LoC.

The original ceasefire deal was brokered by the US in 2003 so that Pakistan could focus on the war on terror after the 9/11 attacks.

The ceasefire remained intact for several years with little or no incidents of violations.

However, following Modi's election as prime minister in 2014, the ceasefire ended with a number of ceasefire violations leading to casualties on both sides.

In February 2021, in a surprise move the two armies announced to renew the 2003 ceasefire. The truce has been holding since then with minor incidents at the LoC.

Pakistan believes that tensions along the LoC only harm Kashmiris living on both sides of the de facto border. Sources said Islamabad was not seeking any escalation in tensions. They rejected Indian claims that Pakistan was behind the recent attacks in Jammu.

Reacting to Modi's statement, Pakistan rejected the Indian prime minister's belligerent remarks made in Drass, Ladakh on 26 July.

"Bravado and jingoism undermine regional peace, and are totally counter-productive for resolution of long-standing disputes between Pakistan and India, especially the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir," read a foreign office statement.

It said the Indian leaders' rhetorical statements cannot deflect international attention from India's heavy-handed approach to suppress the Kashmiri people's just struggle for the realisation of their fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly their inalienable right to self-determination.

"Instead of maligning others for terrorism, India should reflect on its own campaign of orchestrating targeted assassinations, subversion and terrorism in foreign territories," it added.

The statement said Pakistan stands resolute in its intent and ability to safeguard its sovereignty against any aggression, as exemplified by its robust response to India's reckless incursion in February 2019.

"While Pakistan is ready to counter India's aggressive actions, it remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region," the statement stressed.