In a dramatic turn of events, just hours after India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement on May 10, 2025, tensions flared once again in Jammu and Kashmir. Reports of drone sightings and shelling emerged from Srinagar and Udhampur, leading to a reimposition of blackouts in several areas, including Katra and Bhawan. The situation escalated quickly, raising alarms across the region.
According to reports, drone activity was first detected over Udhampur, where drones were intercepted, and explosions were heard near the high-security Badami Bagh cantonment in Srinagar. Videos circulating on social media captured multiple drone sightings accompanied by loud blasts, causing widespread panic among residents. Srinagar experienced a complete blackout following these disturbances, with drones reportedly hovering ominously in the skies.
In response to the escalating situation, local authorities in Katra and the surrounding Vaishno Devi Bhawan area advised residents to observe a voluntary blackout, urging them to turn off lights in homes and public spaces as a precaution. This measure was not unique to Jammu and Kashmir; similar blackout protocols were initiated in Punjab, where Amritsar saw a return of blackout orders and drones were spotted in Gurdaspur.
The district administration in Ferozepur also reinstated blackout orders, urging residents to switch off all lights inside and outside their homes. The advisory emphasized that there was no need for panic and requested citizens to remain calm but vigilant. Meanwhile, sirens were reported in Bathinda, causing public anxiety. The Bathinda district administration reassured residents that there was no immediate threat, clarifying that the situation was being closely monitored.
In a broader context, the escalating tensions were underscored by drone sightings in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Gujarat's Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced via social media that several drones had been spotted in Kutch district, prompting a complete blackout in the area. In Rajasthan, Barmer issued an air raid alert while Jaisalmer went under a blackout, further illustrating the widespread concern.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the United States for its role in facilitating the ceasefire, stating, "We thank President Trump for his leadership and proactive role for peace in the region. Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability." This comment came after US President Donald Trump announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire.
However, the ceasefire agreement did not hold for long. Reports indicated that following the ceasefire, Pakistan resumed firing and drone activity along the border, leading to a swift and strong response from the Indian Army. India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the Indian Armed Forces had given an "appropriate response" to Pakistan's actions.
The Indian military remained on high alert, with reports of gunshots and multiple blasts heard in Srinagar and Udhampur. As the situation developed, air raid sirens were also reported in Rajasthan's Barmer, and a complete blackout was enforced in various regions, including Jammu, Kashmir, and Punjab.
In light of these events, the Airports Authority of India announced the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India for all civil flight operations until May 14, 2025. The ICAI also postponed CA exams due to the heightened tensions, rescheduling them for May 16-24, 2025.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, the situation remained precarious. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated his country's support for Pakistan, emphasizing its "sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence." This statement added another layer of complexity to the already fraught situation.
As the Indian government navigated this turbulent landscape, officials urged citizens to activate emergency alerts on their mobile phones to receive timely updates from the government. The call for vigilance and preparedness echoed through various districts as the public remained on edge.
Amidst the chaos, the Indian military reiterated its commitment to responding decisively to any future escalations by Pakistan. The situation remains fluid, with both sides on high alert as residents in affected areas brace for further developments.
In the wake of these events, the Indian government has indicated that all measures previously taken, including those related to the Indus Water Treaty, remain suspended. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed that the cessation of firing was negotiated directly between the two nations, and no preconditions were established for the ceasefire.
As the dust settles on this latest chapter of tension between India and Pakistan, the focus now shifts to whether this ceasefire can be sustained or if further escalations are inevitable. The residents of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as those in neighboring regions, are left to grapple with the uncertainties that lie ahead.
