Agencies:

Ground Report: Highest Ceasefire violations along Line of Control in 17 years

Srinagar
December 21, 2020

There is uneasy calm at a forward post in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. Just few hundred meters away is Kohat in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). For the last one year, the Line of Control (LoC) has seen the highest number of ceasefire violations in the last 17 years. Over 4,000 firing incidents have reported. On an average, 10 to 12 incidents have been reported every day along the 740 km LoC.

Throughout the year, soldiers tasked with defending the LoC have returned fire at enemy positions from fortified positions. A cross LoC gunfight can break out anytime, the soldiers know.

Just a week ago, India fired artillery in this sector, responding to a Pakistani attack. Gunfire and mortar shelling are routine. A ceasefire agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 2003 lies in tatters.

November saw the most intense shelling in this sector in recent years. 14 soldiers gave their lives for the country along the LoC. The Army says their retaliation was fierce and inflicted more casualties on Pakistan.

For soldiers, being constantly alert is part of the daily routine. Underground posts are being observed almost constantly by the enemy, said an Army officer. As the Army defends the LoC, villagers nearby also bear the brunt of Pakistani shelling.

Mohammad Farooq Chauhan's home was hit by shells in July this year, killing his father Mohammad Rafiq, mother Rafia Bi and 15 year old brother Mohammad Irfan.

Farooq, who was working as a driver in Saudi Arabia when tragedy hit his home, says he has lost a sense of purpose to live and there is no guarantee when shells will land at his home again.