Following increasing military tensions with Pakistan, Indian authorities have halted civilian air traffic at 24 airports and ordered heightened security at all ports, shipping terminals, and shipyards. The measures come as fresh cross-border fighting persists in the contested Kashmir region.
DW has the most recent news from the region as tensions between the two nuclear neighbors intensify.
Cross-Border Shelling Kills Five in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir
Five civilians, including a two-year-old girl, were killed by overnight Indian fire in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Pakistani authorities said. The renewed fighting has increased fears of a wider conflict between the two countries.
Blackouts and Security Clampdown in Indian-Administered Kashmir
In Indian-administered Kashmir, there was a citywide blackout imposed in Jammu following reported blasts. Witnesses told Reuters that they heard loud noises and witnessed projectiles across the cityscape.
"Sirens are ringing out in the city everywhere," regional leader Omar Abdullah added on social media. "Explosions of gunfire keep coming in bursts."
This follows India having previously accused Pakistan of attempting to target military facilities in the country.
Pakistani Military: "India Should Take a Hit"
Pakistan's defense spokesman, Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, released a statement against India.
We will not back down — considering the damage India has done, they should be prepared to take a hit," Chaudhry stated, according to AFP. "We are fighting back, but the retaliation will be on our timing."
India Accuses Pakistan of Using Civilian Planes as Shields
During a press conference in New Delhi, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and top defense officials blamed Pakistan for employing civilian aircraft as a decoy for its own attacks.
Indian Colonel Sofiya Qureshi presented what she claimed were radar screens showing civilian airliners approaching Pakistani cities like Karachi and Lahore during ongoing military fighting.
Pakistan is intentionally putting civilian planes at risk to avoid Indian retaliation, she added, accusing Islamabad of using them as "human shields."
Pakistan has denied firing missile or drone attacks and pushed back against India's accusations.