The discovery of missile debris is a disturbing development, as it highlights the growing threat from Pakistan’s attempts to escalate the conflict by targeting civilian populations. Additional missile fragments have also been recovered from a pond in the Bathinda region of Punjab, further corroborating suspicions that the missile was part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to provoke India through aerial strikes.
The PL-15 BVRAAM, a surface-to-air missile, was reportedly fired as part of Pakistan’s ongoing campaign of violence, which has included targeting innocent villages along the border. Despite its failure, the missile remains a concern, as it has not been deactivated and continues to pose a threat. The missile’s presence underscores the increasing military sophistication in Pakistan’s arsenal, thanks in part to Chinese military assistance.
The rising tensions between the two countries have been palpable since Thursday evening, with Pakistan launching a series of artillery attacks on Indian territory. Pakistan’s strikes have primarily targeted civilian villages, raising alarms over the escalation of hostilities. On Friday, Pakistan also made an attempt to target 15 key Indian military infrastructures, which, according to sources, were met with strong retaliatory action from India. The counter-attacks, which have struck military sites in Lahore and Islamabad, have left Pakistan reeling from India’s decisive response.
However, the Indian government has made it clear that it is not looking to escalate the conflict into a full-scale war. The South Block in New Delhi has reiterated to international powers that India’s actions are not an act of aggression but rather a justified response to Pakistan’s repeated violations of Indian sovereignty. India’s focus remains on defending its territory while maintaining restraint in the face of provocation.
In addition to missile attacks, Pakistan has also violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, where cross-border firing continues to fuel tensions. The ceasefire violations, which have been occurring for several days, are part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to provoke India at multiple points of conflict.
The situation remains highly volatile, with both countries on high alert. While India’s military stands ready for any further provocation, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for de-escalation but fearing that the ongoing conflict could spiral out of control.