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Ceasefire Violations at the LoC: Pakistan Continues Firing Despite India's Cautioning at DGMO Talks
The Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border between India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir, has long been a flashpoint for military confrontations. Despite multiple ceasefire agreements, violations persist, undermining efforts for lasting peace. Recent developments have once again brought the fragile truce into question, with Pakistan continuing cross-border firing despite India's diplomatic engagements through Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) talks. (2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes)
Background: The Fragile Ceasefire
In February 2021, India and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to the 2003 ceasefire agreement during DGMO-level talks. Both sides agreed to "strict observance of all agreements, understandings, and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors" . This understanding led to a significant reduction in cross-border firing incidents, offering a semblance of normalcy to the border regions. (Pakistan, India agree on strict observance of LoC ceasefire, India, Pakistan agree to follow all ceasefire pacts, stop cross-border firing along LoC | India News - Times of India)
However, the peace was short-lived. By 2023, sporadic skirmishes resumed, culminating in a significant escalation in April 2025 following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists . India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, leading to heightened tensions and renewed hostilities along the LoC. Pakistan says intelligence suggests Indian military action likely soon)
Recent Escalations: A Breakdown of Trust
Following the Pahalgam attack, India undertook several measures, including: (2025 India–Pakistan standoff)
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Expelling Pakistani diplomats and suspending visas for Pakistani nationals.
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Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a key water-sharing agreement.
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Closing its airspace to Pakistani aircraft. (2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes, Indian and Pakistani troops exchange fire after Kashmir attack, Pakistan says it has 'credible intelligence' India will attack within days)
Pakistan responded by: (Pakistan says it has 'credible intelligence' India will attack within days)
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Closing its airspace to Indian airlines.
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Suspending trade and halting visas for Indian nationals.
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Placing all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, in abeyance . (Pakistan closes air space for Indian airlines, warns against water treaty violation as ties plummet)
Amid these diplomatic retaliations, cross-border firing incidents increased. Both sides reported exchanges of fire along the LoC, with each accusing the other of initiating hostilities . Notably, Pakistan claimed to have shot down two Indian drones near the LoC, further escalating tensions . (Pakistan says intelligence suggests Indian military action likely soon, India, Pakistan agree to follow all ceasefire pacts, stop cross-border firing along LoC | India News - Times of India, 2025 India–Pakistan standoff)
DGMO Talks: Attempts at De-escalation
In light of the escalating situation, Indian and Pakistani armies held a Brigadier-level flag meeting in February 2025 along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector. The meeting aimed to prevent breaches of the 2021 ceasefire agreement. Both sides agreed to honor the ceasefire in the larger interest of peace on the borders . (LoC meet with Pakistan army to plug ceasefire breaches | India News - The Times of India)
Despite these talks, ceasefire violations continued. Indian officials reported that recent cross-border firing in the Poonch sector was retaliated by the Indian Army, resulting in heavy damage on the Pakistan side. The most significant breaches occurred on February 10 and 14, leading to injuries among Indian troops. (LoC meet with Pakistan army to plug ceasefire breaches | India News - The Times of India)
International Reactions and Calls for Restraint
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The United Nations and the United States have called for maximum restraint and urged both countries to seek peaceful resolutions . (2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes, Pakistan and India exchange fire as UN calls for 'maximum restraint')
Pakistan's President of the administered Kashmir region, Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, has called for urgent international mediation, citing heightened military activity along the LoC and the downing of Indian drones . He emphasized the need for lasting peace and attention to the long-term fate of Kashmir's people. (Head of Pakistan-administered Kashmir calls for international mediation)
Conclusion: The Path Forward
The persistent ceasefire violations along the LoC underscore the fragile nature of peace between India and Pakistan. Despite diplomatic engagements and agreements, trust deficits and retaliatory actions continue to hinder progress. The recent escalations following the Pahalgam attack highlight the urgent need for sustained dialogue, confidence-building measures, and international support to prevent further deterioration of relations and to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians in the border regions. (LoC meet with Pakistan army to plug ceasefire breaches | India News - The Times of India, Indian and Pakistani troops exchange fire after Kashmir attack)
