In a rare moment of calm along the India-Pakistan border, the Indian Army reported the “first calm night” in recent days following a surprise ceasefire agreement. The truce, brokered over the weekend, comes after four days of intense missile, artillery, and drone strikes that left at least 60 people dead and forced thousands to flee their homes. This marked the worst violence between the nuclear-armed neighbors since their last full-scale conflict in 1999, triggering international concerns about the potential for a broader war.
The ceasefire, announced unexpectedly by U.S. President Donald Trump via social media on Saturday, initially raised doubts as both countries accused each other of violating the agreement shortly after it was declared. However, as of Monday, the situation appeared to stabilize, with the Indian Army reporting that there were no incidents of violence across Kashmir or along the international border. This marks the first peaceful night after days of intense shelling, offering a glimmer of hope for civilians who have been living in fear.
The ceasefire also brought relief to the town of Poonch, a region severely affected by the recent violence. Over 12 residents were killed, and most of the town’s 60,000 residents had been forced to flee. While some began to return on Sunday, there remains a sense of caution, with many unsure whether the truce will last.
The conflict between India and Pakistan flared up following a missile strike by India on what it called “terrorist camps” in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This came in retaliation for a deadly attack on Indian tourists in April, which India blamed on Pakistan-backed militants. In response, Pakistan launched heavy artillery fire and claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets, a claim India has not verified.
Kashmir, a disputed region claimed by both countries, has long been a flashpoint for conflict. Since India revoked the region’s special status in 2019, tensions have escalated, with militant groups intensifying attacks and both nations increasing military presence along the border. Though the ceasefire offers a brief respite, the underlying issues remain unresolved, leaving many to wonder whether this fragile peace can hold or if another cycle of violence will soon erupt.
