Following a short-lived ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, tensions have flared again along the international border. Just hours after the truce was announced, India accused Pakistan of violating the agreement by initiating fresh gunfire.
According to Indian media outlet Anandabazar Patrika, on Saturday (11 May), Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned the actions of Pakistan in an urgent late-night press briefing. He stated, “Pakistan resumed firing within hours of the ceasefire, which is highly condemnable. Pakistan is fully responsible for this breach.”
He added that the Indian Army is responding appropriately and closely monitoring the situation. India expects Pakistan to recognize the seriousness of the matter and immediately stop violating the agreement. Misri also warned that the Indian armed forces have been instructed to take strict measures in response to any further violations.
In a related development, explosions were heard in Srinagar, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, shortly after the ceasefire announcement. The region’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on social media platform X, questioning the status of the ceasefire as loud explosions echoed across the city.
Residents of Srinagar reported multiple loud blasts, with some areas experiencing blackouts. Local journalist Omar Mehraj confirmed the explosions to Al Jazeera, stating that similar sounds were heard in Baramulla and Jammu as well. While the origin of the blasts—whether missile or air defense—remains unclear, they have caused widespread panic among locals.
Authorities in other northern Indian regions, including Ludhiana, Patiala, and Amritsar, acknowledged the situation. Officials stated they are monitoring developments closely and will initiate blackouts if necessary. They urged the public to remain calm but alert.
This latest escalation raises concerns about the stability of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.