India and Pakistan troops continue exchanges of fire in Kashmir
Troops from Pakistan and India exchanged fire in disputed Kashmir for a third night in a row, officials said Sunday, as relations between the nuclear-armed rivals plunged to their lowest level in years.
Tensions have escalated sharply after India accused Pakistan of backing "cross-border terrorism" following a deadly assault that killed 26 civilians in the Muslim-majority region — the deadliest attack on civilians there in 25 years.
Pakistan has firmly rejected the allegations, dismissing them as "frivolous," and warned it would respond if India takes any retaliatory actions.
Indian security forces have launched an extensive search operation to track down the perpetrators of the April 22 attack at the tourist site in Pahalgam. Authorities have identified two Pakistani nationals among the suspects.
On Sunday, the Indian army reported "unprovoked" small-arms fire initiated by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC), which serves as the de facto border between the two countries. Indian troops responded with "appropriate" return fire, according to the army statement.
Pakistan has not yet officially commented on the latest incidents of gunfire.
Following the attack, India suspended a key water-sharing agreement, shut down the main land border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic relations, and cancelled visas issued to Pakistani citizens.
In retaliation, Pakistan expelled Indian diplomats and military officials, revoked visas for Indian nationals — excluding Sikh pilgrims — and closed its side of the main border crossing.
The United Nations has called for "maximum restraint" from both sides, emphasizing the importance of resolving the escalating crisis through peaceful and constructive dialogue.
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