’’First time in 7–8 years’’: Residents shocked by LoC firing in Akhnoor sector (2025)

Ceasefire violations were reported across several sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, including Akhnoor and Naushera, for the first time in nearly 8 years. Villagers say they're used to tension but are now staying alert as Indian forces respond

Tensions have resurfaced along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, with villagers in Akhnoor, Naushera, and Sunderbani reporting ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces for the first time in nearly eight years, according to ANI.

Residents in the Pargwal sector of Akhnoor stated that they heard multiple rounds of gunfire during the night of 29–30 April. “About 10 to 12 rounds were fired last night. The Indian Army also responded. This kind of ceasefire violation is happening after 7–8 years,” said Ankur Singh, a local resident, speaking to ANI.

He added, “We’re used to such situations, but we’re staying alert right now.”

Another villager, Raju Singh, shared that gunfire erupted between 8:30 and 9 PM while many were working on their farms. “We received a call telling us to stop work and return home immediately. After that, there was no further firing. But it was unexpected and sudden,” he told ANI, noting that nearly 50 per cent of the crop in the area is yet to be harvested.

The ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army occurred during the night of 29–30 April, with unprovoked small-arms firing from across the LoC. Indian Army positions in the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors were targeted, prompting a “swift and proportionate” response from Indian troops.

Later updates confirmed that similar incidents took place further north in Baramulla and Kupwara districts, along with firing across the International Border (IB) in the Pargwal area.

“During the night of 29–30 April, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the LoC opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor sectors. Indian Army troops responded swiftly and proportionately,” the Army stated.

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has called on both countries "not to escalate" the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will speak to their foreign ministers "as early as today or tomorrow".

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce at a press briefing on Tuesday said that Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation¿ and telling "them not to escalate the situation."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. He is encouraging other national leaders and foreign ministers to reach out to the countries on this issue, Bruce said.

(With inputs from ANI)

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