Tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir surged late on Friday as Pakistan violated a recently agreed ceasefire, mere hours after it came into effect. Artillery shelling and drone sightings were reported from multiple sectors, including Baramulla, Akhnoor, Rajouri, and RS Pura, disrupting the fragile peace that had briefly returned to the region.
The ceasefire breach reportedly began shortly after the ceasefire agreement was reached, with Pakistani drones being spotted over Rajouri and Srinagar, prompting swift responses from Indian air defence systems. At least four drones were downed near an Army headquarters in Srinagar, officials said. Explosions were also reported in Rajasthan’s Pokhran region, where Indian forces intercepted and shot down additional aerial threats.
A blackout and red alert were imposed in several areas of Srinagar as a precaution against further drone strikes. In a statement, the Border Security Force (BSF) said it had been directed to retaliate with full force against any provocations, as India maintained a high state of operational readiness.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press briefing on Saturday, confirmed that the ceasefire deal was initiated after Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called his Indian counterpart. “The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the Director General of Military Operations of India at 3:35 pm earlier this afternoon,” Misri stated.
Also read: India issues stern warning to Pakistan over ceasefire breach
He further announced that another set of talks would take place at noon on 12 May.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he, along with Vice President JD Vance, held “long talks” with New Delhi and Islamabad, facilitating the truce. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the deal as a result of a “beautiful partnership” following intensive US mediation efforts led by Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while thanking global leaders for their role in brokering the ceasefire, singled out China as Pakistan’s “most reliable friend,” stating, “I want to thank China from the bottom of my heart. I thank the respected President and the people of China, who have stood by Pakistan for the past 58 years. China is our most reliable friend.”
Sharif also accused India of using the Pahalgam incident as an “excuse” to impose an “unjustified war” on Pakistan, while hailing the ceasefire deal as a “victory” for Islamabad.
In response, Foreign Secretary Misri criticised Pakistan’s actions, stating, “For the last few hours, this understanding has been violated by Pakistan. The Indian Army is retaliating and dealing with this border intrusion. This intrusion is extremely condemnable and Pakistan is responsible for it.”
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval also spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi amid the escalating tensions, emphasising that India must take necessary counter-terrorism measures in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which reportedly caused significant casualties among Indian personnel.
Despite the initial violations, the situation along the LoC and IB remained largely peaceful overnight, with no further reports of cross-border firing or hostile movement. A heightened state of alert remains in effect across the region, with strong border patrols and aerial surveillance continuing.
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