Following a period of intense military confrontation, an understanding has been reached between India and Pakistan to halt military actions. This development has sparked cautious optimism, with political figures like PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti expressing hope that this understanding will pave the way for lasting peace.
The agreement, reached after discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries, stipulated a cessation of all firing and military action on land, in the air, and at sea, effective from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Instructions were reportedly issued on both sides to enforce this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations are scheduled to meet again on May 12th.
Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the India-Pakistan understanding and called for political dialogue to resolve cross-border tensions. She voiced that the people of Jammu and Kashmir suffer the most when there is conflict between India and Pakistan because it is a border state where any war is fought. She highlighted the impact of conflict on daily life, expressing her belief that people might finally be able to sleep peacefully. Mufti added that military solutions are not real solutions and there is always a need for political intervention, as major global issues are resolved through dialogue.
However, the initial optimism was quickly tempered by reports of ceasefire violations. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that there had been repeated violations of the understanding and accused Pakistan of breaching the agreement. He affirmed that the Indian army was retaliating against what he called a border intrusion and called upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, in turn, blamed Indian forces for initiating the ceasefire violation but affirmed their commitment to the agreement.
Despite the reported violations, the understanding to halt military actions followed efforts by the US and other key powers to address fears of a full-blown conflict. The recent hostilities were triggered by the mass shooting of tourists last month, an attack India blames on Pakistan.
Political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir welcomed the pause in hostilities, with many emphasizing the need for a shift from military confrontation to sustained peace and political dialogue. Mehbooba Mufti stated that terrorism is unacceptable, but it should not dictate when India and Pakistan go to war and that there is no military solution, a political resolution is the only way forward.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and that it will continue to do so. A senior official of the External Affairs Ministry clarified that the understanding is not linked to other issues between India and Pakistan, and it would not affect any of the decisions that India has taken against Pakistan in the past few weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack.
The situation remains tense, and the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the current understanding can hold and lead to a more stable and peaceful environment. The scheduled meeting between the DGMOs on May 12th will be a key opportunity to address the reported violations and reinforce the commitment to de-escalation.
