Ceasefire Violation by Pakistan Near LoC
In a disturbing development, Pakistan’s troops violated the ceasefire agreement near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu’s Akhnoor sector. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of September 11, 2024, left a BSF soldier injured.
The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel swiftly retaliated, though the casualties on Pakistan’s side are unknown.
This ceasefire breach comes at a critical time for India, as the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections is set to take place on September 18. The second phase is scheduled for September 25, and the third phase will be held on October 1.
The timing of the violation raises serious concerns about Pakistan’s intentions to disrupt the electoral process or infiltrate terrorists while Indian forces are preoccupied with election security.
Ceasefire Renewal and History of Violations
Since the renewal of the ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2021, between India and Pakistan, such incidents have become rare. However, Pakistan has repeatedly broken the terms of the treaty.
Last year, a BSF soldier lost his life in the Ramgarh sector after being shot by the Pakistan Rangers, marking the first ceasefire violation death in over three years.
Pakistan has a long history of using ceasefire violations to cover up infiltration attempts by militants, making this recent attack particularly alarming. With the Jammu region under heightened security for the elections, Pakistan may be seeking to exploit the situation to smuggle terrorists into India.
Pakistan’s Internal Turmoil and Potential Distractions
Pakistan, a nation known for its unstable governance and repeated conflicts with India, faces internal crises on multiple fronts. With elections looming in India, the timing of this violation could be an attempt by Pakistan’s leadership to distract its population from domestic issues.
Internally, Pakistan is facing growing unrest in Balochistan, where the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has launched strategic attacks on Pakistani military personnel. The BLA’s operations have effectively cut off certain areas of Balochistan from mainland Pakistan, further weakening the country’s control over the region.
The situation in Balochistan underscores Pakistan’s diminishing military power and control over its own territory, making it even more likely that the country may seek to initiate external conflict as a distraction.
Also Read: Is Pakistan Breaking Apart?
Pakistan’s Societal Collapse
Pakistan’s failing state is further highlighted during the recent chaos at the Dream Bazaar Mall in Karachi. The grand opening of the mall turned into a nightmare when mobs looted and vandalized the property. The incident demonstrated the deep societal decay in Pakistan, where even simple public events descend into lawlessness.
The absence of police during the looting of Dream Bazaar is emblematic of the larger issues plaguing Pakistani society. When a country can’t maintain law and order during a commercial event, it raises serious concerns about the government’s ability to manage internal stability.
It also reveals the true economic condition of Pakistan, where people resorted to looting what was one of the rare investments in the country. The Dream Bazaar Mall, a symbol of progress, turned into chaos as desperate citizens saw an opportunity to take advantage of the situation. This reflects the broader economic collapse, where investments and growth are scarce, pushing people to acts of desperation.
Also Read: Dream Bazaar Mall Ransacked on Opening Day
Pakistan’s Desperation and the Need for Vigilance
With Pakistan’s internal issues escalating, from its loss of control over Balochistan to societal breakdowns like the Dream Bazaar incident, it is clear that the country is spiraling toward instability.
The ceasefire violation along the LoC may be an attempt by Pakistan to provoke India into a conflict, distracting from its own failures.
India must remain vigilant, especially as the elections near, and take every measure to secure its borders. The BSF’s swift response to the unprovoked attack is commendable, but Pakistan’s increasingly reckless behavior suggests that more such provocations could follow.
