The fragile truce between India and Pakistan was short-lived, as renewed hostilities erupted mere hours after both nations announced a ceasefire on Saturday. On Thursday evening, drone attacks were reported in Jammu’s Udhampur and explosions triggered sirens and blackouts across Srinagar. An incoming air raid alert was also issued in Barmer, Rajasthan, along with emergency blackout orders in the district.
Gunfire was reported from Baramulla and Budgam, intensifying concerns over the ceasefire’s effectiveness and raising fears of further escalation.
The violation followed statements from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had earlier hailed the ceasefire as a “new beginning” toward resolving long-standing disputes and ushering in regional peace. However, the renewed aggression has drawn strong reactions, including from Jammu and Kashmir’s former chief minister Omar Abdullah, who posted on X (formerly Twitter), “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!”
This latest surge in violence comes on the heels of Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes by the Indian armed forces targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes were carried out in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives and was linked to Pakistan-backed operatives.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States after several days of intense military exchanges, was publicly announced by US President Donald Trump. “India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Congratulations to both countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the sentiment, crediting Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif for their leadership. Rubio said the US had played a key role in brokering the truce through discussions involving Indian and Pakistani leadership, including their national security advisors and military chiefs.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had confirmed the ceasefire would take effect from 5 pm on Saturday. However, Thursday’s events have cast serious doubt over the durability of that agreement.
India has maintained that while it is committed to peace, it will respond decisively to any aggression. Officials reiterated that punitive measures, such as the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the closure of the Attari border crossing, would remain in place.
As tensions rise again, diplomatic observers are watching closely to see whether the ceasefire understanding can be salvaged—or if the subcontinent is heading for yet another round of military escalation.
Sources By Agencies
