In a troubling escalation of hostilities, Pakistani troops have violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri and Gurez sectors. Just hours after a ceasefire agreement was announced, artillery shelling and drone activity erupted across multiple locations, including Srinagar, leading to significant concerns about safety and security in the region.
On May 10, 2025, reports emerged detailing how Pakistani troops targeted the Charunda and Hatlanga areas of the Uri sector in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, marking a serious breach of the truce that had just been established. This violation comes on the heels of a series of aggressive military actions, including unprovoked heavy artillery and mortar shelling, which have been ongoing since the initiation of Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025.
Amidst the chaos, the body of Indian Army soldier Murali Naik, who was martyred during the recent hostilities, arrived at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on the same day. Naik's remains were flown in from Delhi, and he was honored by army officers and personnel at the airport. His body was subsequently sent to his native Kallithanda village in Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, where residents lined the highway to pay their last respects by sprinkling flowers on his coffin. Naik, hailing from a poor agricultural family, was stationed in the volatile region when the Pakistan Army launched its artillery attacks.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences, stating, "We pay heartfelt tribute to this valiant martyr, Murali Naik. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his grieving family during this time of immense loss. His sacrifice will forever be etched in our memories with profound gratitude and honour." This sentiment resonates deeply with many as the nation mourns the loss of yet another brave soldier.
The violence escalated further as Pakistan's military launched drone attacks across Jammu and Kashmir, violating the ceasefire agreement reached just hours earlier. The Border Security Force (BSF) reported multiple blasts in Srinagar, prompting a red alert and a blackout in the area. Drones were sighted in various locations, including Rajouri and Katra, where an air raid siren was activated, indicating the seriousness of the threat.
In a shocking turn of events, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced his outrage on social media, questioning the integrity of the ceasefire. "This is no ceasefire. What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!" Abdullah tweeted, sharing a video of the drone attack. His comments reflect the frustration felt by many as the violence continues despite diplomatic efforts to establish peace.
As the situation unfolded, the Pakistani military engaged in artillery shelling along the International Border in the Akhnoor, Rajouri, and RS Pura sectors, further exacerbating tensions in the region. Reports indicate that the shelling and drone attacks persisted for over an hour before finally ceasing, leaving residents in a state of fear and uncertainty.
In response to the ongoing violence, various District Administrations have issued safety guidelines for residents living near the border. These guidelines include measures such as shifting to the ground floor, using sandbags for protection, avoiding windows and doors, and keeping emergency kits ready. The recommendations aim to help residents stay safe during the intense shelling that has become a grim reality in the area.
On the same day, five individuals, including a senior J&K government official and a two-year-old girl, tragically lost their lives due to the intense mortar shelling and drone strikes by Pakistan. This tragic loss underscores the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a resolution.
In Punjab, drone activities were reported in several districts, including Gurudaspur, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Hoshiyarpur, Jalandhar, and Faridkot. The local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and to adhere to blackout protocols to ensure their safety during this volatile period.
As Pakistan escalates its military actions, the Indian government has responded by directing border forces to respond with full force to any ceasefire violations. The situation remains tense, with both nations on high alert as the threat of further conflict looms large.
The ceasefire agreement, which was reached during discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, was intended to bring an end to the military operations that had intensified following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. However, the rapid escalation of hostilities raises questions about the viability of this agreement and the prospects for lasting peace in the region.
As the dust settles on this latest round of violence, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are left grappling with the consequences of ongoing conflict, mourning the loss of loved ones, and hoping for a return to peace. The international community watches closely, urging both sides to engage in dialogue and seek a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as military and civilian leaders navigate the complexities of this enduring conflict. For now, the residents of Jammu and Kashmir and their families around the country hope for safety and a future free from the threat of violence.
