Following days of intense military conflict, Jammu and Kashmir experienced a calm night, with no ceasefire violations reported along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB). This marks the first peaceful night in recent days, bringing relief to residents in border districts who have endured cross-border artillery, shelling, missile, and drone attacks.

The guns fell silent on Saturday around 10:30 PM, hours after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire. Defence officials have confirmed that there were no reports of ceasefire violations or drone activity in J&K since then. While an uneasy calm prevails, there is hope that Pakistan will not disrupt the atmosphere.

The recent escalation saw Pakistan violating the ceasefire agreement shortly after the two sides agreed to pause hostilities. Explosions were reported in Baramulla and along the LoC, with drones spotted in the skies. Artillery shelling by Pakistani forces was reported in the Akhnoor, Rajouri, and RS Pura sectors near the International Border. India swiftly activated its air defence systems after multiple drone sightings in Rajouri and Srinagar, reportedly downing four drones near an Army headquarters. A blackout and red alert were imposed in several areas of Srinagar amid fears of further drone strikes.

Despite the ceasefire violation, the situation in the border states remained relatively peaceful through the night, with no reports of cross-border firing, enemy engagement, or hostile movement along the IB or LoC. However, a soldier was killed after being struck by shrapnel from a Pakistani drone that was intercepted by the Army Air Defence in Udhampur.

Normalcy is gradually returning to the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Markets have opened, and traffic has returned to normal in the Kashmir Valley. Residents are expressing relief after experiencing the first night in nearly a week without the sounds of conflict.

The ceasefire understanding was reached after the Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called his Indian counterpart. India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that another set of talks would take place on May 12. Despite the agreement, government sources have reiterated that the ceasefire breach exposed Pakistan's duplicity, especially after days of civilian and military targets being struck by Pakistani drones and long-range weapons.

Additional SP Mohan Sharma of Poonch visited Jhullas, Mangna, and Salotri villages to assess the situation and reassure residents of their safety. He emphasized the police administration's commitment to addressing the grievances of those affected by ceasefire violations.

While the guns are silent for now, a heightened state of alert remains across the state and border districts.