Neelum Valley: Tension briefly escalated along the ceasefire line (Line of Control) in Neelum Valley after an incident of cross-border firing was reported near the Bab Neelum–Chilhanna Jagir area in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Thursday, leaving one civilian injured.
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According to local reports, the exchange took place while workers were engaged in road construction close to the ceasefire line. A local resident identified as Sudheer Ahmad sustained a bullet wound to his leg and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities temporarily suspended traffic on the main Neelum highway as a precautionary measure following the incident. Movement was later restored after the situation stabilized.
Local sources said that construction machinery operating near the border area was also hit by gunfire. The incident has caused concern among residents living along the ceasefire line, who say sporadic firing disrupts daily life and undermines a sense of security in the border communities.
Officials have not issued an official statement regarding the cause of the firing. However, residents called on both sides to uphold the ceasefire agreement and ensure the safety of civilians living near the frontier.
Since the 2021 reaffirmation of the ceasefire between the two sides, occasional violations have continued to be reported along the line, highlighting the fragility of peace in the region.
