2025-05-11T12:22:45Z

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A hard-won ceasefire aimed at ending hostilities between India and Pakistan has been severely tested by armed confrontations erupting overnight in the disputed region of Kashmir. Reports from both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), which serves as a de facto border between the two nations, indicate significant exchanges of gunfire between Indian and Pakistani military forces.

The renewed fighting, which began late Saturday, gradually subsided by Sunday morning. This escalation comes just a day after the two nations had reached a truce following intense negotiations designed to defuse what has been described as the most serious military confrontation in decades. Tensions had spiked following a brutal attack on a group of tourists in India, an incident that New Delhi attributes to Pakistan, a claim that Islamabad vehemently denies.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, both nuclear-armed countries had agreed to cease all forms of military action—including land, air, and sea operations. However, reports indicate that both sides quickly accused each other of violating the ceasefire just hours after it was announced.

Indian officials reported sightings of drones over Indian-controlled Kashmir and the western state of Gujarat on Saturday night, raising further concerns about the stability of the ceasefire agreement. This aerial activity is viewed as a provocative move amidst an already tense situation.

In the Poonch district of Indian-controlled Kashmir, locals expressed their distress over the intense shelling that had been ongoing for several days. College student Sosan Zehra, who returned home on Sunday, described the chaotic atmosphere, stating, “Most people ran as shells were being fired. It was completely chaotic.”

Conversely, residents in Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, located just three kilometers from the Line of Control, reported heavy exchanges of fire and shelling occurring after the ceasefire commenced. Local resident Mohammad Zahid shared his feelings, saying, “We were happy about the announcement but, once again, the situation feels uncertain.”

The ceasefire announcement was notably shared by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, marking a significant moment as both Indian and Pakistani officials confirmed the truce shortly after. However, since the announcement, India has refrained from commenting on Trump's involvement or issuing any statements regarding U.S. mediation, focusing instead on military communications with Pakistan.

In contrast, Pakistan has expressed its gratitude to the U.S. for facilitating the ceasefire, frequently thanking Trump for his role in the negotiations.

On Sunday, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric conveyed that Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire as a promising step toward curbing current hostilities and alleviating regional tensions. “He hopes the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries,” Dujarric added.

The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has seen daily skirmishes erupt along the rugged and mountainous Line of Control, which is characterized by barbed wire, watchtowers, and military bunkers amid villages, thick forests, and undergrowth. Both nations have traditionally blamed each other for instigating these confrontations while claiming their actions are merely retaliatory measures.

Looking ahead, the military leaders of both nations are scheduled to engage in further discussions on Monday, as hopes for a durable peace remain tenuous amidst the backdrop of continued violence.