The latest cross-border artillery shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) has once again plunged Jammu and Kashmir into mourning and uncertainty. The unprovoked attack, which occurred during the intervening night of May 9-10, resulted in tragic fatalities, including a senior government officer and two civilians, among them a minor girl and a migrant worker from Bihar. Such actions not only violate international norms but also risk pushing the already volatile region toward a catastrophic escalation. The use of heavy artillery by Pakistan to target civilian areas is a grave provocation that cannot be justified under any circumstance. Rajouri and Poonch districts bore the brunt of the shelling, with innocent lives caught in the crossfire. This is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing pattern of unprovoked aggression from across the border, threatening the fragile peace that both nations have struggled to maintain. Pakistan’s military leadership must recognize that such reckless behavior could have far-reaching consequences. India, with its strong military capabilities and a firm stance on national security, is fully prepared to respond decisively to protect our territorial integrity. However, the cost of continued provocation could escalate into a direct conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbors—an outcome that would devastate not just the subcontinent but the entire world. The international community cannot afford to overlook the gravity of the situation. India and Pakistan are both nuclear powers, and any escalation of hostilities could inadvertently trigger a nuclear exchange. History reminds us of the near-catastrophic consequences during previous standoffs, where diplomacy and restraint narrowly averted disaster. With both countries possessing sophisticated and powerful arsenals, even a limited conflict would spell unprecedented human suffering and environmental ruin. While our country has consistently demonstrated restraint and a commitment to peace, Pakistan’s continued belligerence undermines regional stability. The reckless shelling of civilian areas is not just an act of hostility but a blatant disregard for human rights and international laws. Islamabad must realize that its adventurism will not only invite a robust military response from India but will also isolate it diplomatically. Pakistan must take a step back and reassesses its aggressive stance. The pursuit of short-term strategic gains through military provocations is a perilous path that leads to ruin. Instead, Islamabad must focus on constructive dialogue and confidence-building measures that can foster long-term peace and bring the perpetrators of Pahalgam terrorist attack to justice. International stakeholders, including the United Nations and major world powers, must urgently intervene to pressure Pakistan into abandoning its dangerous course. Silence in the face of such aggression only emboldens hostile elements within the Pakistani establishment. The onus now lies on Pakistan to back down.