Ceasefire Violations by Pakistan Doubled in 2019, Half of Cross-Border Skirmishes Took Place After Abrogation of Article 370: Report

Srinagar, December 27: In 2019, the number of ceasefire violations along the line of control (LoC) doubled as compared to last year. Almost half of these ceasefire violations were reported after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, in the last few days, ceasefire violations by Pakistan increased drastically. Around 3,200 ceasefire violations were reported this year. Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan Army Targets Indian Civilians in Ceasefire Violations, 2 Killed Including a Soldier.

However, in 2018, Pakistan violated ceasefire 1,610 times. Since August 5, a total of 1,553 ceasefire violations took place. In August, 300 cases of ceasefire violations took place. In September, 292 incidents of ceasefire violation were reported. In October and November, 351 and 304 ceasefire violations took place respectively.

In December also, the number of cross-border skirmishes crossed 300. This month 329 incidents have been reported which are also nearly double the 175 cases reported in the same month last year. Compared to 2017, the number of ceasefire violations in 2019 have tripled. In 2017, a total of 860 incidents were reported, against only 228 in 2016. On December 18, Indian Army chief, General Bipin Rawat had stated that the situation along the LoC could escalate at any time and India is prepared for a befitting response.

Earlier in the day, reports also surfaced that three to four Pakistani soldiers were killed on Thursday night in the Indian Army’s response to Pakistan’s ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. The ceasefire violation from across the LoC by Pakistani troops started at around 3:45 pm on Thursday.