 "Fragile truce: Explosions, drone sightings see India issue late-night warning; Pakistan reins in troops")
A tense calm along the India-Pakistan border was shattered on Saturday evening, as explosions and drone sightings were reported from Srinagar to Kutch, barely hours after both sides agreed to halt hostilities. The fragile truce, announced following days of intense cross-border exchanges, quickly came under strain, with India accusing Pakistan of repeated violations and warning of strong retaliation.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who had earlier declared the ceasefire, returned for a late-night briefing to condemn what he called “a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today”.
He said, “The Armed Forces are giving an adequate and appropriate response to these violations and we take very, very serious note of these violations. We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility”.
Residents in Srinagar reported blasts and flashes lighting up the night sky, while swarms of drones were spotted over sensitive areas in Jammu & Kashmir and Gujarat. Blackouts were enforced in several districts as a precaution, with authorities on high alert for further escalation. Ceasefire violations by Pakistan were reported in several sectors.
In response to India’s accusations, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement insisting that its forces were “handling the situation with responsibility and restraint” and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire. Islamabad called for any issues to be addressed through communication at appropriate levels and instructed troops on the ground to exercise restraint.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsFragile ceasefire
The ceasefire, helped by international mediation and announced by both governments, was to take effect from 5 pm IST. Misri said in his initial statement, “An understanding was reached this evening between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan to stop the military action that was going on for the last few days. For the last few hours, this understanding is being violated by Pakistan”.
He asserted that the process started after Pakistani DGMO reached out to his Indian counterpart seeking de-escalation and a ceasefire.
Immediate violations and Indian response
Within hours, residents in Srinagar and Jammu reported explosions and flashes in the night sky, while drones were sighted over sensitive areas in Jammu & Kashmir and as far as Kutch in Gujarat.
“What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar,” posted Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on social media at 8:53 pm.
Late at night, Misri voiced India’s strong displeasure, “For the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier today… This is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today.”
“The armed forces are maintaining a strong vigil on the situation. They have been given instructions to deal strongly with any instances of repetition of the violations of the border along the International Border as well as the Line of Control,” he said.
Misri said, “This intrusion is extremely condemnable and Pakistan is responsible for it. We believe that Pakistan should understand this situation properly and take appropriate action immediately to stop this intrusion”.
Pakistan reins in its troops
In response, Pakistan’s foreign ministry sought to project calm, issuing a statement: “Pakistan remains committed to faithful implementation of a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, announced earlier today.”
“We believe that any issues in the smooth implementation of the ceasefire should be addressed through communication at appropriate levels. The troops on the ground should also exercise restraint,” Pakistan’s statement said.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar wrote on social media, “Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect. Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!”.
Blackouts and heightened vigil
As the night wore on, authorities in border districts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir imposed blackouts as a precaution against further escalation. Indian forces were placed on high alert, with explicit instructions to respond firmly to any future violations.
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