SRINAGAR: After days of intense military escalation, Jammu and Kashmir experienced its first calm night, with no hostilities reported along the Line of Control (LoC) or the International Border, the Indian Army confirmed on Monday. The pause in conflict follows the announcement of a ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan on Saturday evening.
“The night remained largely peaceful across Jammu and Kashmir and other areas along the International Border,” the Army said in a brief statement. “No incidents have been reported, marking the first calm night in recent days.”
The temporary calm arrives after a turbulent week marked by high casualties and widespread displacement. India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting Pakistan , in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, most of them tourists.
According to official estimates, India struck at least nine terror bases during the operation, reportedly eliminating over 100 militants and causing significant damage to Pakistani military assets. Pakistan responded with heavy shelling and drone attacks across the LoC and the western border, resulting in civilian and military casualties on both sides.
The cross-border violence claimed at least 21 Indian lives, including six security personnel, while injuring dozens. In border areas such as Rajouri, Poonch, and RS Pura, over 200 homes and shops were damaged in the recent shelling. Thousands were forced to flee their homes, taking shelter in safer zones, amid fears of a larger confrontation.
On Saturday evening, India and Pakistan announced that their Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) had agreed to a ceasefire “on land, in the air, and at sea” beginning at 5 p.m. The agreement came shortly after Indian strikes reportedly incapacitated 11 airbases inside Pakistan.
However, the ceasefire was briefly marred by violations from the Pakistani side on Saturday night, including cross-border shelling in Udhampur. Drone activity and sirens were also reported across parts of Srinagar, adding to the uncertainty. The Indian government has since warned that any breach of the understanding would be considered an act of war.
Sunday night, however, brought a long-awaited silence. No ceasefire violations, drone sightings, or missile sounds were reported from Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri or Kashmir. Border villages like Tangdhar in Kupwara and Uri in Baramulla began showing signs of returning to routine life. Locals who had abandoned their homes over the weekend have begun trickling back, even as damage assessments continue.
“There was no fire from either side last night,” said a resident from Kupwara’s Tangdhar. “People finally slept in their own homes after several sleepless nights.”
Markets opened in Srinagar and Jammu as normal on Monday morning, and daily life resumed with cautious optimism. The government, meanwhile, has debunked social media rumours of explosions and drone sightings in Udhampur, calling them “false” and urging the public to rely on official sources.
A second round of talks between the Indian and Pakistani DGMOs is expected later today. While uncertainty still looms over the durability of the ceasefire, for now, border residents are embracing a fragile peace that has come after a week of fear, destruction and mourning.
As India observes the relative quiet, the security forces remain alert and vigilant, ready to respond to any fresh provocation.
