Violations Reported After India-Pakistan Ceasefire, Explosions Heard

India and Pakistan, nuclear-armed rivals, announced a ceasefire on Saturday following intense U.S.-mediated diplomacy, aiming to halt four days of escalating conflict.

However, within hours, reports of violations in Indian Kashmir, including explosions and drone activity, cast doubt on the truce’s stability.

Ceasefire Agreement Reached

The agreement, facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump and involving military hotlines and three dozen countries, was hailed as a breakthrough.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed the sentiment: “Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect.”

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed military chiefs would reconvene on May 12 to discuss further steps.

Violations Reported in Kashmir

Despite the announcement, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reported disturbances in Srinagar.

“What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar,” he posted on X, later adding, “This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.”

Residents shared visuals of tracer fire targeting suspected drones.

By 9:52 p.m., shelling along the Line of Control and explosions in Srinagar ceased, per sources.

In Gujarat’s Kutch district, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi noted drone sightings, prompting a blackout: “Several drones have been spotted in the Kutch district. A complete blackout will be implemented now.”

Casualties and Regional Tensions

The conflict, sparked by India’s strike on alleged “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistani Kashmir after a deadly attack on Hindu tourists, has claimed 66 civilian lives.

The Border Security Force reported the death of Sub-Inspector Md Imteyaz in Jammu’s RS Pura sector.

Punjab districts, including Ludhiana, Patiala, and Amritsar, issued alerts for potential blackouts, with Amritsar’s DC urging calm: “I advise all to kindly be prepared for enforcement of a blackout if the need arises.”

Path Forward Uncertain

While both nations’ leaders welcomed the truce, punitive measures like trade suspensions and the paused Indus Waters Treaty remain in place.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted plans for talks at a neutral venue, but ongoing violations underscore the fragility of peace in the volatile region.