A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan collapsed within hours of its implementation on Saturday evening, after Pakistan reportedly violated the agreement by launching drone strikes and artillery shelling across the Line of Control (LoC). The escalation triggered widespread blackouts, panic, and heightened military alerts across key Indian border states.
The ceasefire, which took effect at 5 PM local time, was announced earlier in the day following overnight mediation efforts led by the United States. It was intended to halt weeks of mounting hostilities following India’s “Operation Sindoor”—a retaliatory strike on terror camps in Pakistan launched after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 12 civilians.
However, the truce quickly unraveled. By evening, multiple reports confirmed Pakistani drones breaching Indian airspace, followed by heavy shelling in Jammu and Kashmir. Loud explosions were heard near Srinagar airport, prompting air raid sirens and a rush to safety.
“It felt like war again,” said Ayesha Mir, a shopkeeper in Srinagar, as flashes lit up the night sky.
In Jammu, intense shelling was reported in Udhampur, Kathua, and Akhnoor, while Indian defense systems, including the S-400 air defense platform, intercepted several drones. Debris caused minor damage in some areas. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attacks, stating on social media:
This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.
In Rajasthan, Barmer and Jaisalmer were placed on red alert following drone sightings. While early rumors of airstrikes proved unfounded, the Indian Air Force scrambled fighter jets to secure the region. In Punjab’s Ferozepur and Amritsar districts, and parts of Haryana, authorities enforced blackouts to minimize risk from possible air incursions.
“These are precautionary measures. Stay indoors and stay safe,” said Barmer’s District Collector, urging calm amid rising anxiety.
A senior Indian defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that no full-scale Pakistani airstrikes occurred, but cited a pattern of provocations involving drones, shelling, and attempted missile launches. “Pakistan’s provocations are serious, but we are responding with restraint and precision,” the official said.
By late evening, reports suggested that the shelling had slowed along the LoC. However, the brief ceasefire—once seen as a path to de-escalation—now lies in tatters.
Power outages affected millions across border regions. In Jammu’s Kathua district, Rajesh Kumar recounted the moment blackout struck: “We heard explosions, then everything went black. We don’t know what’s coming next.”
Authorities in Rajasthan and Punjab appealed to the public to avoid spreading misinformation, assuring residents that security forces were fully alert. Rajasthan Minister Harsh Sanghavi reiterated, “The threat is being addressed with preparedness, not panic.”
U.S. Urges Restraint Amid Escalation
International reactions have focused on preventing further escalation. While the U.S. did not explicitly condemn the ceasefire violation, it expressed concern and emphasized the need for restraint.
“This ceasefire came after extensive conversations, and we are now focused on preventing further escalation,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, as reported by CNN.
The U.S. administration, which had played a central role in facilitating the ceasefire, is monitoring the developments closely. Analysts warn that while war has not officially resumed, the collapse of the truce illustrates the fragility of peace efforts between two nuclear-armed rivals with a long history of mistrust.
For residents along the India-Pakistan border, uncertainty looms. “We want peace, but how can we trust when promises are broken so quickly?” said a Srinagar resident, echoing a widespread sentiment across affected regions.
This report is based on verified information from The Indian Express, NDTV, India Today, Reuters, and official government sources as of May 10, 2025. The situation remains fluid.
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