Following an agreement between India and Pakistan to implement an immediate ceasefire, reports have emerged of alleged violations, raising concerns about the stability of the truce. The ceasefire, aimed at halting weeks of escalating clashes, was agreed upon after discussions between military officials from both countries, with the cessation of hostilities scheduled to begin at 17:00 Indian time (11:30 GMT) on Saturday.
India has accused Pakistan of breaking the ceasefire deal shortly after it was agreed upon. According to India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the Indian armed forces have been instructed to "deal strongly with violations along the border". Multiple explosions were reported in several cities within Indian-controlled Kashmir, further fueling the accusations. Misri stated that these actions constitute "a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today". In response to the alleged violations, the Indian Army has been instructed to respond firmly.
Pakistan's Information Minister, however, has denied any violations of the ceasefire agreement. Despite these denials, reports persist of cross-border shelling and gunfire from multiple locations along the Line of Control (LoC), which divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan. Additionally, drone activity has been reported in areas including Kathua and Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Blackouts were enforced and air raid sirens were activated in certain areas.
The recent ceasefire agreement, which aimed to halt the most severe military confrontation in decades, followed a period of heightened tensions triggered by a deadly shooting last month. While the US Secretary of State mentioned that the agreement included broader talks at a neutral venue, India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has denied any decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place.
The situation remains tense, with both sides closely monitoring developments along the LoC. Security analysts have noted the fragility of the ceasefire, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
