Firing from multiple Pakistan posts through night at LOC, India retaliates: Reports

New Delhi: Pakistan Army troops opened fire at multiple locations along the Line of Control (LoC) on Friday, prompting a swift and effective retaliation from Indian forces, according to official sources.

"Small arms firing at some places on the Line of Control was initiated by the Pakistan Army. It was effectively responded to by the Indian Army. No casualties have been reported," Indian Army officials stated. Further information on the incident is awaited.

The firing comes in the aftermath of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage, with protests erupting across the country demanding stringent action against Pakistan.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government has initiated a series of diplomatic measures aimed at downgrading bilateral ties. These include the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals—who have been given 40 hours to leave India—and a reduction in diplomatic staff at both countries’ High Commissions.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that the Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors stationed at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and given a week to leave the country. India will also withdraw its corresponding military advisors from Islamabad. Additionally, five support staff members from both missions will be withdrawn.

Further escalating the diplomatic standoff, India has also halted its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark agreement signed in 1960, citing national security concerns in the wake of the Pahalgam tragedy.