In a dramatic turn of events, barely four hours after India and Pakistan reached a "full and immediate ceasefire" agreement, tensions flared once again as Pakistan initiated unprovoked artillery fire in Jammu and Kashmir. The ceasefire, confirmed by both Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, was intended to halt all military actions from 5 PM IST on May 10, 2025. However, reports of explosions and drone sightings soon followed, raising alarms across the region.
On Saturday evening, May 10, 2025, the ceasefire was shattered as artillery fire erupted in sectors including Akhnoor and Mendhar. The Indian side responded in kind, leading to a series of exchanges that left many questioning the stability of the fragile peace. Harsh Sanghavi, the Gujarat Home Minister, confirmed that several drones were detected in the Kutch district, prompting authorities to enforce a complete blackout in the area as a precautionary measure.
Media reports indicated that multiple rounds of shelling were exchanged between the two sides, forcing the Indian military to act. Jammu was also placed under blackout conditions to mitigate the risk posed by the drone activity. The situation escalated further when Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister expressed his frustration on social media, stating, "What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!" This sentiment echoed the concerns of many as the region remains on edge.
Earlier in the day, both nations had agreed to cease operations in the air, land, and sea after a series of escalating military actions, including drone strikes and missile attacks. The agreement followed India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror facilities in Pakistan in response to a deadly attack in Pahalgam. The operation had already heightened tensions, and the ceasefire was seen as a glimmer of hope for peace.
However, within hours of the ceasefire announcement, reports indicated that Pakistani forces had resumed their aggressive posture. A soldier was tragically killed by shrapnel from a Pakistani drone in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, underscoring the precariousness of the situation. The drone had been intercepted by the Army Air Defence near the Udhampur air base, but the incident highlighted the ongoing threat posed by aerial incursions.
In response to the escalating situation, the Indian government placed all cities on high alert, with local authorities ramping up security measures across the country. This included increased surveillance of public spaces and critical infrastructure, as officials prepared for any potential fallout from the renewed hostilities.
As the night progressed, the situation continued to deteriorate. Reports of drone sightings were confirmed across a wide area, including regions in Punjab and Rajasthan, further complicating the security landscape. The Indian military maintained a strong vigil, with Commodore Raghu Nair emphasizing that any future misadventure by Pakistan would be met with decisive action.
Meanwhile, the blackout measures initially imposed in Kutch were revoked briefly before being reinstated due to the sighting of more drones. Harsh Sanghavi took to social media to announce the re-imposition of the blackout, urging residents to remain calm and safe. "Several drones have been spotted in the Kutch district. A complete blackout will be implemented now. Please stay safe. Don’t panic," he stated. This decision came after the Kutch district administration had previously lifted blackout orders following the ceasefire announcement, which now seemed to be in jeopardy.
The district administrations of Kutch, Patan, and Jamnagar renewed blackout orders just hours after they were initially lifted. Banaskantha district also announced a partial blackout for villages near the border, reflecting the widespread concern over the potential for further conflict. Officials urged citizens to refrain from spreading rumors and to adhere to the directives of the administration.
As the night wore on, loud explosions were reported in Srinagar, and the Indian Air Force was seen intercepting drones over Nagrota. The intensity of the situation prompted a swift response from the authorities, as they sought to maintain control and protect the safety of citizens in the affected areas.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, the rapid escalation of violence has left many skeptical about the prospects for lasting peace. The Indian military reiterated its commitment to national security, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri calling upon Pakistan to take immediate steps to address the ceasefire violations. He stated, "We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility. The armed forces are maintaining a strong vision on the situation."
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, with calls for restraint from various global leaders. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed to have brokered the ceasefire, has faced criticism as the violence resumed. Meanwhile, the BCCI is set to hold a crucial meeting regarding the IPL schedule in light of the ongoing tensions, with officials considering the implications for the tournament amid the conflict.
While some residents in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated the initial ceasefire, the subsequent violence has dampened hopes for peace. As the night drew to a close, the specter of conflict loomed large, leaving many to wonder how long the fragile truce would hold.
