Explosions Rock Srinagar Hours After India-Pakistan Ceasefire Announcement
In a shocking development, just hours after India and Pakistan declared a ceasefire agreement, multiple explosions were reported in Srinagar, the main city of Indian-administered Kashmir. This urban center, which is vital in the long-standing territorial dispute, now finds itself once again in a state of uncertainty.
Residents of Srinagar have described hearing various explosions throughout the day, with some eyewitnesses reporting unidentified objects flying over the city and crashing in the surrounding areas. The repercussions of these blasts raise critical questions about the durability of the recently brokered peace deal.
Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing his disbelief and concern. He stated, "What the hell happened to the ceasefire? Explosions were heard all over Srinagar." Abdullah also confirmed that air defenses in the capital were activated amid fears of a possible attack from across the border.
Military sources indicated that the noise heard in the city was primarily from anti-aircraft gunfire and other security measures aimed at responding to the perceived threats, including the sighting of drones in several locations within the Valley. A military representative reassured the public, saying, "Please do not panic."
The ceasefire, which was facilitated by the United States, was intended to halt the escalation of violence that has claimed approximately one hundred lives over the last month—one of the worst periods of conflict in recent memory. The truce was first announced around 5 PM local time through a message from US President Donald Trump, who claimed that both parties agreed to a 'TOTAL AND IMMEDIATE' cessation of hostilities, attributed to America's mediation.
Minutes later, both the Indian and Pakistani governments confirmed the ceasefire, though neither mentioned the United States' role in the negotiations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that discussions would proceed to a neutral venue for further dialogue.
As the situation in Srinagar unfolds, residents remain on edge, desperate for stability but wary of further violence disrupting their lives in the already volatile region.
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