At least 13 civilians have been killed in Pakistani-administered Kashmir in the last 12 hours amid escalating cross-border shelling between India and Pakistan. According to local disaster management authorities, around 50 people have been injured in the area as tensions soared following a military action taken by Pakistan against India early this morning. The situation in Kashmir, a region claimed by both countries, has become increasingly volatile, particularly after India targeted what it described as "terrorist infrastructures" in Pakistan just days prior.
The Indian government has accused Pakistan of violating a ceasefire agreement that was reached just three days ago. Indian External Affairs Minister Vikram Misri stated, "There have been repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement in the last few hours," and he emphasized that the armed forces had been instructed to respond appropriately. Misri called on Pakistan to cease its violations and handle the situation with seriousness and responsibility.
In a dramatic turn of events, explosions were reported in Srinagar, the largest city in Indian-administered Kashmir, disrupting electricity and causing widespread alarm among residents. Omar Abdullah, the former Chief Minister of Indian Kashmir, expressed his outrage on social media, questioning the effectiveness of the ceasefire by stating, "What the hell happened to the ceasefire? Explosions are echoing throughout Srinagar." This sentiment reflects the growing frustration among the local population as they witness ongoing violence.
On the international stage, the United States has stepped in, with President Donald Trump announcing that India and Pakistan had agreed to a "full and immediate ceasefire" following four days of intense military exchanges. Trump expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, stating, "Congratulations to both countries for using common sense and great wisdom. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" His remarks were met with cautious optimism, but skepticism remains high among observers.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Information Minister Ataulá Tarar denied any violations of the ceasefire, asserting that the situation had been misrepresented. He stated in an interview with Geo TV that Pakistan had adhered to the terms of the agreement, further complicating the narrative as both nations continue to blame each other for the escalating conflict.
Adding to the complexity, China has expressed its willingness to mediate in the conflict, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stating that Beijing supports both countries in resolving their differences through dialogue. This announcement came during a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart, Isaac Nta, where Wang emphasized China's readiness to play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation.
Despite these diplomatic overtures, the situation on the ground remains tense. Reports indicate that attacks with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have occurred in Jammu, further violating the ceasefire. Residents in Srinagar reported hearing sirens and explosions, as drones were launched into Indian airspace from Pakistan. This escalation has raised alarms about the potential for a broader conflict.
In light of these developments, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire as a positive step towards improving relations and de-escalating tensions. Guterres expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to lasting peace and create an environment conducive to addressing broader, long-standing issues between the two countries. The UN is prepared to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, both India and Pakistan face mounting pressure from their respective populations and the international community to de-escalate hostilities. Diplomatic sources suggest that further discussions are necessary to restore confidence and credibility, as the cycle of accusations and retaliations shows no signs of abating.
In conclusion, the recent violence in Kashmir highlights the fragility of peace in a region long plagued by conflict. With civilian casualties rising and diplomatic efforts underway, the world watches closely to see if India and Pakistan can find a path towards lasting peace or if they will be drawn deeper into a cycle of violence.
