Tensions Flare in Srinagar Hours After India-Pakistan Ceasefire Declaration
Srinagar Just hours after India and Pakistan announced a long-anticipated ceasefire agreement, loud explosions echoed across Srinagar on Saturday night, throwing residents into panic and raising fresh doubts about the credibility of the truce.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice his alarm, stating: “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!” He further noted, “This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.”
A video posted by the Chief Minister showed flashes lighting up the night sky, believed to be from air defence fire. The source and intent of the blasts remain unclear, though initial reports suggest a response to unidentified aerial threats.
The incident comes amid what was hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The ceasefire, which was brokered with U.S. support, took effect at 5:00 PM Saturday. However, the scenes from Srinagar and similar reports from Udhampur have cast a shadow over the fragile peace.
In Udhampur, witnesses reported seeing “red streaks” across the sky, interpreted as surface-to-air missile trails, along with loud detonations. Authorities suspect the engagement of suspected Pakistani drones, further complicating the ceasefire narrative.
Adding to the tension, parts of Rajasthan Jaisalmer, Ferozepur, and Barmer were placed under complete blackout, with military and civil authorities on heightened alert.
India Reiterates Hardline on Terrorism
Before the ceasefire announcement, top Indian government officials reiterated the nation’s hardened stance on terrorism. According to official sources, any future terrorist attack on Indian soil will now be treated as an act of war, inviting full-scale military retaliation.
“If Pakistan-based groups strike again, India will respond as it did following the Pahalgam bombing,” a senior government source said. This marks a strategic shift in India’s national defence policy, granting broader authority to the armed forces under international law.
Ceasefire Deal Brokered by the U.S.
The ceasefire was brokered after a marathon overnight negotiation led by U.S. President Donald Trump. Announcing the agreement via Truth Social, Trump stated:
“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance played key roles in the process. Rubio confirmed that both Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif as well as senior military and diplomatic officials from both countries, were involved in the negotiations.
“Over the past 48 hours, Vice President Vance and I have engaged with Indian and Pakistani leaders, including NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Asim Malik,” Rubio stated.
Confirmation From Both Capitals
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) initiated the ceasefire proposal earlier in the day. The arrangement includes halting all land, air, and sea military operations.
In Islamabad, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the ceasefire via X, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to peace without compromising sovereignty.
Speaking to Geo News, Dar said: “We have agreed on a ceasefire from 4:30 pm (Pakistan Time) today,” attributing the breakthrough to rapid diplomatic coordination.
UN and Aviation Officials React
The United Nations welcomed the ceasefire as a positive step. “We are monitoring but we welcome all efforts to de-escalate the conflict,” said Farhan Haq, spokesperson for the UN Secretary General.
Meanwhile, Pakistan reopened its airspace for commercial flights following the ceasefire, and advised travelers to check with their airlines for updated schedules. Airspace in both countries had earlier been restricted due to cross-border hostilities.
A Fragile Peace
Despite the formal announcement, the situation on the ground remains tense. Saturday night’s military activity in Srinagar and Udhampur, as well as reports of continued drone threats and blackouts in Rajasthan, point to a ceasefire still in its infancy and vulnerable to collapse.
Analysts warn that while the ceasefire is a critical first step, sustained peace will depend on mutual trust, strict enforcement, and above all, the elimination of cross-border terrorism.
As dawn breaks over Kashmir, residents are left asking a haunting question: is this peace, or merely a pause in an unresolved conflict?
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Tensions Flare in Srinagar Hours After India-Pakistan Ceasefire Declaration