Escalation of Tensions on the Line of Control: A Kashmiri Perspective Cross Border Firing, LOC

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As a Kashmiri, I cannot help but ask: Why does the cross-border firing between India and Pakistan always happen on the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir? Why is it that bullets and shells never rain down on the Punjab or Sindh border? Why is it always our land that suffers, our homes that are destroyed, and our people who die? Whether they are soldiers or civilians, they are our people on both sides. Yet, the violence never ceases, and the world remains silent.

Renewed Cross-Border Firing and Shelling

The LoC, which divides the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan, has once again witnessed intense cross-border firing and shelling. Reports indicate that several soldiers have been killed in the ongoing conflict.

On Tuesday, heavy exchange of fire continued for several hours between the Indian and Pakistani forces in the Madarpur sector of Poonch district, located in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to Pakistani military sources, the Indian army initiated unprovoked firing, violating the ceasefire agreement. In response, Pakistani forces retaliated. Meanwhile, according to Indian military reports, Pakistani forces were responsible for breaching the ceasefire first, prompting Indian retaliation.

Civilian Casualties and Military Losses

A press statement from the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Poonch, Sardar Umar Farooq, confirmed that on April 1, 2025, the Indian army opened fire on civilian areas in the Madarpur sector, prompting retaliatory action by Pakistani forces.

According to Pakistani military sources, an army soldier, Naseer Musadiq, was killed due to Indian firing. Additionally, reports suggest that India also suffered casualties, though official confirmation from the Indian side remains unavailable. In a separate incident in the Madarpur sector, an old explosive device detonated, killing one Pakistani soldier and injuring two others.

Accounts from Local Residents

Residents living along the LoC have expressed fear and distress over the renewed hostilities. Sughara Nisa, JKNSF member, a university student from the village of Tatrinote, described the chaos during the attack. “Our house was filled with guests for Eid when sudden firing and shelling began. We ran inside for cover. Even our windows were hit by bullets. The entire area was gripped by fear as people fled to safer locations. It reminded us of 2019 when intense cross-border firing was frequent.”

Another resident, Ayesha Khan, recalled the panic, stating, “Everyone rushed indoors. No one expected the firing to begin so suddenly.”

Maria Khanum, also from Tatrinote, echoed similar concerns, saying, “We took our entire family to a safe place in our house, just like we used to do before 2019. The past five years had been peaceful, but now with the renewed firing and shelling, people are deeply worried. Previously, these attacks had resulted in loss of lives and destruction of homes.”

Further Clashes Reported

On Wednesday, April 2, reports emerged of additional cross-border firing in the Deva Vatala area of Samahni tehsil, Bhimber district. However, as of the latest updates, no casualties have been confirmed from this incident.

The Role of Social Media in the Conflict Narrative

Amidst the ongoing tensions, I conducted research on Facebook and found that pro-Army and journalist accounts are widely sharing content in Urdu that suggests a major escalation in the conflict. One widely circulated post states:

“This year, in 2025, the Jihadi front in the Jammu region of Indian-occupied Kashmir is going to heat up with full intensity, InShaAllah.”

Notably, journalists such as Adeel Gilani, Executive Member, Vehari Press Club from Punjab and A. D. Khan from Sadiq Abad, have been actively discussing the developments, along with other influencers who support a strong military stance. Their content is being widely shared and is shaping narratives on both sides of the border.

The Plight of LoC Residents

Zaheer Khan, a resident of Tatrinote, shared his concerns in a phone interview with (Ki News), stating, “We, the residents of both sides of the LoC, bear the brunt of this cross-border firing and shelling. The damage we suffer is never truly compensated. Our children’s education has been severely disrupted, and many young people are now facing psychological trauma due to the constant fear and uncertainty.”

The renewed hostilities along the LoC have once again highlighted the fragile nature of peace in the region, leaving residents caught in the crossfire, hoping for a resolution that brings lasting stability to their lives.