India, Pak Army exchange arty fire for first time in Pir Panjal sector since nations agreed to ceasefire on LoC in Nov 2003

The heightened tension between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control and International Border due to the recent ceasefire violations by Pak forces Pir Panjal mountain range has led to the Armies of the nations exchanging artillery fire as a counterattack mechanism.

According to defense sources, it is the first time in nearly 15 years that the Army has used field artillery in this sector.

According to official data, there have been 411 ceasefire violations on the LoC so far this year. Of these, only eight have been in 15 Corps Zone, north of the Pir Panjal range. 

These ceasefire violations, in Rampur and Uri in North Kashmir this month, saw the use of 105 mm artillery field guns, although for a short period. This is the first time that artillery guns have opened up in that sector since India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on the LoC in November 2003.

In military warfare during peacetime, the Army uses its Artillery guns as a last defensive measure after all small arms fire and mortars held with the infantry have been used.