Pakistani Soldiers Eliminated by Indian Landmine in Kashmir
A recent attempt by Pakistan to infiltrate into Indian territory through the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir ended in disaster when a landmine explosion eliminated multiple Pakistani soldiers and militants. Reports suggest that the incident occurred on the night of February 4-5, 2025, when a group of Pakistani Army personnel and militants tried to cross the border. One of them accidentally stepped on a landmine, leading to a massive explosion that killed all infiltrators. This event has once again highlighted India’s strategic preparedness and Pakistan’s repeated failures in cross-border incursions.
What Happened?
According to intelligence reports and various media articles, Pakistan attempted to send a hybrid team consisting of its military personnel and militants into Indian territory through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region. This approach, where Pakistani soldiers collaborate with militants, has been a common tactic used by Islamabad to create disturbances in India. However, this time, their plan backfired when they unknowingly triggered a landmine, resulting in multiple casualties.
Different sources have reported varying figures regarding the number of Pakistani personnel killed. Some claim five were eliminated, while others put the number at seven. Among them, an officer of the Pakistan Army, possibly a captain, was also reported dead. However, as per Pakistan’s usual strategy, the authorities are likely to disown him to avoid admitting the involvement of their military in cross-border terrorism.
India’s Landmine Strategy
India had anticipated such infiltration attempts and, as a countermeasure, started deploying landmines along the borders with Pakistan and China in 2021. The recent incident demonstrates the effectiveness of these landmines in preventing cross-border infiltration attempts. The landmines are “Made in India” and specifically designed to neutralize personnel trying to infiltrate Indian territory.
Many people assume that landmines are used mainly for countering tanks, but there are two primary types:
- Anti-Tank Landmines – Designed to damage or destroy enemy tanks and armored vehicles.
- Anti-Personnel Landmines – Target individuals, preventing infiltration attempts.
Given Pakistan’s persistent attempts at infiltration, India has focused on deploying anti-personnel landmines along the LoC. The latest incident proves their effectiveness as part of India’s first line of defense.
Pakistan’s Pattern of Denial
This is not the first time Pakistan has attempted such an incursion. A similar incident occurred in 2019, when Pakistani terrorists and personnel from the Border Action Team (BAT) were eliminated in an Indian counteroperation. At that time, Pakistan also disowned its soldiers to avoid diplomatic embarrassment. This strategy of denial is frequently used by Pakistan whenever its military involvement in terrorist activities is exposed.
The pattern of events remains consistent:
- Pakistan sends a mixed group of terrorists and army personnel.
- They attempt to infiltrate Indian territory.
- The attempt fails, and Pakistani soldiers/militants are killed.
- Pakistan refuses to acknowledge its involvement.
The latest infiltration attempt, despite past failures, shows that Pakistan has not learned its lesson.
Pakistan’s Contradictory Stance on Peace and Terror
The recent infiltration attempt exposes Pakistan’s hypocrisy. On one hand, it seeks India’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy cricket tournament, while on the other, it continues to sponsor terrorism against India.
Moreover, the Pakistani government has also been accused of allowing terror groups like Hamas to operate within PoK. The presence of Hamas in PoK is alarming, as it suggests Pakistan’s growing ties with international terrorist organizations.
The Indian government and intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the situation. Given the presence of over 80 to 100 foreign terrorists in Pakistan’s launch pads near Jammu and Kashmir, there are concerns about potential future infiltration attempts.
Should India Engage with Pakistan in Sports?
With repeated attacks and infiltration attempts, a critical question arises—should India participate in cricket tournaments with Pakistan? This debate has gained momentum, especially after reports of Hamas’s presence in PoK. Many believe that engaging with Pakistan in sports or any other international event sends a wrong message, as it normalizes relations despite continued aggression from their side.
India has already refused to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan. This decision now seems even more justified, considering the recent developments.
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