NEW DELHI, India: Five Sikh soldiers of the Indian Army were reportedly killed in a clash between two Indian military units along the Line of Control (LoC) in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in a clear indication of growing discontent and panic in the Indian army.
The incident occurred during the night between 25 and 26 April in the Japala Bridge area of the Baramulla sector, sources said.
According to sources, troops from the 185 Battalion of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), deployed in the region, opened fire on personnel from the 13 Sikh Light Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army’s 12th Brigade.
Sources familiar with the incident described it as a “serious breakdown of communication and coordination” between the two units.
The exchange of fire reportedly led to the deaths of five soldiers from the Sikh Light Infantry unit and has triggered anger and unrest among its ranks.
Defence analysts said that the incident is a clear indication of growing discontent and operational mismanagement within the Indian army.
Reports claimed that there is severe anger and resentment among the Sikh soldiers of the 13 Sikh Light Infantry regarding this incident.
This is not the first such occurrence. Similar incidents of fratricide, or ‘friendly fire’, have raised concerns in the past over discipline and morale within Indian armed forces operating in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
In one such case reported in 2023, an Indian soldier from the Rashtriya Rifles reportedly died by suicide at a camp in the Islamabad district of occupied Kashmir, highlighting mental health and stress-related issues among troops.
The latest incident has occurred amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the Pahalgam incident.
Pahalgam incident
Tensions escalated between Pakistan and India after gunmen attacked local tourists in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on 22 April, killing 26 people and injuring 17.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations.
A day after the Pahalgam incident on 23 April, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved measures including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
In response, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) met on 24 April and warned that any attempt by India to block water flows into Pakistan would be considered an act of war.
The Pakistan Foreign Office on Friday said India was in no position to make a unilateral decision on the Indus Waters Treaty which is of critical importance for Pakistan’s water security and economy.
Foreign Office Spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad said the unlawful, unilateral, and irresponsible Indian announcement threatens the very foundations of the entire edifice of interstate cooperation and smooth implementation of the treaties.
Pakistan’s National Security Committee also announced to closure of the Wagah border crossing with India.
On April 25, the Senate of Pakistan unanimously passed a resolution, rejecting India’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Islamabad was open to any “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam attack. However, New Delhi has yet to respond to Pakistan’s offer.
“The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt,” PM Shehbaz said.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that it has no interest in escalating conflict but would defend itself if attacked.
Earlier on Monday, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the country was fully prepared to respond with “full force” if India initiated any military action.
Speaking to a private television channel, Asif said, “We want India’s lies on this issue to be exposed,” Asif said, adding that Pakistan had no desire for confrontation but would not hesitate to protect its sovereignty.
The situation deteriorated further when the Pakistani High Commission in London was vandalised by Indian miscreants on 26 April.
According to the Metropolitan Police, two persons were arrested in connection with the vandalism, which caused property damage including broken windows and paint attacks.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, condemned the incident, claiming that Indian state institutions were behind the vandalism.
International calls for restraint have grown. China urged both India and Pakistan to “exercise restraint” and “properly handle relevant differences through dialogue and consultation,” according to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
Guo reaffirmed China’s support for a fair investigation into the Pahalgam attack and stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence for regional stability.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a phone call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reiterated Beijing’s consistent support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and its legitimate security concerns.
The United States has also urged caution. “This is an evolving situation and we are monitoring developments closely,” a State Department spokesperson said. “The United States encourages all parties to work together towards a responsible resolution.”
