Multiple explosions were reported across Srinagar on Saturday evening, just hours after India and Pakistan agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire covering land, air, and sea operations. The abrupt violation has once again thrown the fragile peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbours into uncertainty.
According to local sources, loud blasts were heard across the city, triggering air raid sirens and a subsequent blackout. Panic spread among residents as the sounds of explosions were followed by alerts in key districts of the Kashmir Valley, including Baramulla in the north and Budgam in central Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express shock and concern. “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!” he posted. In a follow-up message accompanied by a video, Omar added, “This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.”
The fresh wave of hostilities came shortly after foreign secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Pakistan had contacted the Indian Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) at 3:35 pm IST. During this conversation, both nations agreed to halt all military actions across all domains effective 5:00 pm IST on Saturday.
“It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours IST,” Misri stated, adding that instructions for the ceasefire’s implementation were issued immediately on both sides. Another DGMO-level discussion is scheduled for May 12 at 12:00 pm.
The ceasefire, brokered after a night of mediation by the United States, was announced by US President Donald Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social. “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,” Trump posted. He praised both nations for “using common sense and great intelligence.”
The agreement had raised hopes of de-escalation following weeks of rising tensions, which peaked after a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22. The attack, which killed 26 people—mostly tourists—was traced back to militants with links to Pakistan-based terror outfits.
While the ceasefire was hailed as a potential turning point for regional peace, Saturday’s events in Srinagar have cast serious doubt on Pakistan’s commitment to the agreement. The situation remains fluid, and further updates from the scheduled military talks on May 12 are awaited with concern.
Sources By Agencies
