Daijiworld Media Network – Srinagar
Srinagar, May 10: A series of loud explosions shook Srinagar on Saturday evening, casting a shadow over the recently announced ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
The blasts, heard across the city, triggered sharp reactions from Jammu and Kashmir’s former chief minister Omar Abdullah. Taking to social media platform X, he questioned the credibility of the truce. “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!” he posted, followed by another message: “This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.”
Earlier in the day, Abdullah had welcomed the ceasefire and urged the administration to fast-track relief and rehabilitation efforts. “If it had happened 2-3 days ago, the lives we lost would not have been lost,” he remarked, referring to the recent violence that claimed multiple lives.
The ceasefire was formalized following a call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the agreement effective from 5:00 pm IST applies to all military operations on land, sea, and air. A follow-up meeting between the DGMOs is scheduled for May 12.
However, the sudden explosions have raised concerns about the agreement’s enforcement. The Army has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, external affairs minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India's firm stance on terrorism. “India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance... It will continue to do so,” he said during a joint briefing with the Defence Ministry.
The ceasefire came in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor a retaliatory strike targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan after the deadly May 2 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26. Pakistan had responded with artillery shelling and drone activity, escalating the tension.
US secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that India and Pakistan have agreed to initiate broader peace talks at a neutral venue, and praised both Prime Ministers for choosing the “path of peace.”