Explosions Rock Srinagar Hours After Ceasefire, Political Leaders Question Pakistan’s Intentions
Just hours after India and Pakistan announced a landmark ceasefire agreement, multiple explosions were reported across Srinagar and other regions in Jammu and Kashmir, throwing the fragile peace into immediate doubt. The ceasefire, which came into effect at 5 p.m. IST, was supposed to end several days of intense cross-border hostilities, but by 9 p.m., residents of Srinagar reported loud blasts, red streaks across the sky, and air defence activity—suggesting a breach in the truce.
The Indian government confirmed that Pakistani drones had entered Indian airspace, prompting swift retaliation from Indian air defence units stationed in the Kashmir Valley. Explosions were reported not only in Srinagar, but also in Jammu, Udhampur, Baramulla, and Budgam, with drone sightings in Punjab (Pathankot, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur) and Gujarat’s Kutch region. Several regions, including parts of Rajasthan, were also placed under emergency blackout protocols as a precaution.
Omar Abdullah: “This is no ceasefire”
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was among the first to raise alarm publicly. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) at 8:53 p.m., he wrote:
“What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!”
Minutes later, he posted a video showing Indian air defence systems in action within city limits, captioning it:
“This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.”
Abdullah’s posts echoed widespread fear and disappointment among the public, many of whom had welcomed the ceasefire as a sign of returning normalcy.
Ceasefire Breached by Drone Incursions
According to defence sources, the sudden air defence response was triggered by multiple Pakistani drones breaching Indian airspace. At least three drones were intercepted in Kutch, with others shot down over Baramulla and Pokhran. A BSF sub-inspector, Md Imteyaz, lost his life in the RS Pura sector of Jammu, reportedly during retaliatory firing.
The Ministry of External Affairs, through Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, condemned the violation, saying:
“Pakistan must rein in its military establishment. Such acts undermine efforts toward peace and regional stability.”
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Army remain on high alert, and Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks have been scheduled for May 12 to discuss the violations.
Political Response: Anger, Caution, and Calls for Accountability
While the initial ceasefire had been hailed by all major parties in Jammu and Kashmir, the violations have triggered a wave of criticism and concern:
- Omar Abdullah said the “unprovoked breach” underscored why any future peace needs more than words.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned Pakistan’s trustworthiness, stating, “You can’t shake hands with one while holding a dagger in the other.”
- Mehbooba Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the incident “shatters the fragile hope” for peace and called for an independent international mechanism to monitor ceasefire compliance.
- Congress Party, which had earlier called for a Parliament session to discuss the government’s handling of Operation Sindoor and the ceasefire, reiterated its demand, accusing the government of failing to ensure national security.
Public Reaction: Panic and Uncertainty
Residents in Srinagar reported panic as air raid sirens sounded and anti-aircraft fire lit up the skies. “It felt like war again,” said Aqib Lone, a university student in Nowhatta. “We were told the ceasefire would bring peace, but instead we got explosions.”
Shops that had briefly reopened after the ceasefire shut again, and Hajj pilgrimage preparations, which had resumed earlier in the day, were temporarily suspended.
A Fragile Peace Under Threat
The ceasefire was announced on May 10 after days of escalated military exchanges triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed. India responded with Operation Sindoor, a series of military strikes on Pakistani positions, before the ceasefire was agreed upon via DGMO-level talks. While international actors like the U.S. and U.K. claimed a mediatory role, Indian sources maintained that the agreement was bilateral.
However, these new violations place the entire peace framework under strain.
What Lies Ahead
With military-level talks now scheduled, Indian defence officials have emphasized vigilance over optimism. No decision has yet been made on reinstating measures like the Indus Waters Treaty, which was suspended last month. The Indian military remains on high alert, particularly in forward areas, as civilian populations brace for further developments.
As the situation evolves, residents of Jammu and Kashmir—exhausted by decades of conflict—are left once again clinging to uncertainty.
“Ceasefires mean nothing if they are broken in four hours,” a local resident in Baramulla said grimly.
