Army Chief Empowers Commanders to Hit Back if Ceasefire Broken: Calm Holds After Deadly Escalation
New Delhi:
In a significant move following recent hostilities, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has given full operational freedom to commanders stationed along the western border. The decision comes in the wake of a new understanding reached during crucial talks between India and Pakistan’s Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) on May 10, 2025.
General Dwivedi reviewed the ground situation after the ceasefire and airspace violations that occurred overnight between May 10 and 11. He then granted “full authority” to the Army Commanders to carry out counteractions using military force if the agreement is violated again.
“The COAS has granted full authority to the Army Commanders for counteraction in the kinetic domain to any violation of the understanding reached,” the Indian Army stated on X. In military terms, the “kinetic domain” refers to physical military responses, including the use of weapons.
The situation has remained tense but stable since both sides agreed to de-escalate. The trigger for the conflict was the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, carried out by terrorists linked to Pakistan.
India retaliated with precision cruise missile strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Pakistan responded by deploying drones to attack civilian areas inside Indian territory.
India’s counter-response was swift and targeted, striking deep inside Pakistani territory. The attacks focused on strategic military assets including radar systems, command centres, and ammunition depots in locations such as Rafiqui, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Sialkot.
As both nations hold their fire for now, the Indian Army stands ready to act if the fragile ceasefire is broken again.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
