Blackout Resumes In J-K As Pak Violates Ceasefire With Firing Along IB, Drones Hours After Announcement

Multiple ceasefire violations by Pakistan were reported late Friday evening along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in various sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. According to security sources, the Border Security Force (BSF) has been ordered to deliver a strong retaliation to the unprovoked cross-border firing.

The violations began post 8 pm, with Pakistan targeting areas near the IB including Palwan and Ghanachak. Several regions in Jammu, including the RS Pura sector, witnessed intense firing from across the border. The BSF is reported to be giving a “fitting response” to the provocations.

The BSF is currently responding to Pakistan’s cross-border firing along the international border in Jammu’s RS Pura sector. Firing incidents have also been reported along the LoC in the Akhnoor sector, where the Indian Army is gathering information from local formations.

Sources within the Government of India have confirmed that the Border Security Force has been granted full authority to retaliate strongly to the ceasefire violations initiated by Pakistan across the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir.

Simultaneously, multiple explosions were reported from Srinagar, as confirmed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The explosions occurred in key areas including Lal Chowk, BB Cantt, and Safapora. A blackout was also reported from Baramulla.

Ceasefire violations were also reported within three hours of an earlier ceasefire announcement, affecting a wide range of districts. These included Udhampur, Akhnoor, Nowshera, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Jammu, Sunderbani, RS Pura, Arnia, and Kathua

 Loud explosions are being heard in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Red streaks are seen and explosions can be heard as India's air defence intercepts Pakistani drones amid blackout in Udhampur.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X, "What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar"

He also shared a video of the drone attacks and wrote, "This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up."

J-K Leaders Welcome India-Pakistan Ceasefire Annoucement

According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan have agreed to cease all firings and military operations across land, air, and sea effective from 5 pm on Saturday. The announcement followed shortly after US President Donald Trump stated that the two nations had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire following US-mediated talks.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the announcement was a much-needed relief, though delayed. “I welcome from the depths of my heart the announcement made by the Government of India spokesperson about restoration of ceasefire between India and Pakistan,” Abdullah told reporters at his residence.

“Better late than never, but had this ceasefire come two or three days earlier, perhaps the bloodshed we saw and the precious lives we lost would have been saved,” he added.

Abdullah urged the state administration to step up relief and compensation efforts for those impacted. “We have announced compensation for the loss of precious lives. Now we will have to compensate those who have been injured as well,” he said, highlighting the widespread devastation caused in Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, Tangdhar, and other border areas.

He also expressed hope that Haj flights would resume, saying, “We were not able to send the pilgrims to Haj due to the closure of the airport.”

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah, in a statement released from the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, welcomed the ceasefire and underlined the urgency to end hostilities. “Our people along the LoC (Line of Control) and IB (International Border) have borne the brunt of the deteriorating situation between the two neighbouring countries. This measure will greatly alleviate the suffering of our people who have been caught in the crossfire,” he said.

Farooq Abdullah reiterated that the NC has always advocated for lasting friendship between India and Pakistan. However, he stressed that “the primary responsibility to bridge the trust deficit lies with Pakistan, which must address India’s genuine concerns regarding cross-border terrorism.”

Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti also hailed the development. In a video message released by her party, she said, “This is good news for the people of J-K who have been suffering because of the cross-border shelling for the last few days. I am sure the news has brought a sigh of relief across the border.”

She added, “While terrorism is not acceptable to anyone and would not be tolerated, terrorists should not determine when there should be war or peace between India and Pakistan. Military solution is no solution. Ultimately, there should be a political intervention.”

Calling on India to play a more constructive role in the region, Mufti said, “Our country is huge, it should play the role of a big brother not just with Pakistan but also with the whole region so that there is permanent peace and people prosper.”

“I hope both the countries will sit together and resolve their issues and find a way to establish lasting peace in the coming times — the peace which is permanent and not affected by an incident. I am very happy with the news given by Trump. It has brought a message of peace not just for J-K but also the whole region,” she added.

Senior CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami welcomed the ceasefire agreement, describing it as a significant relief for people on both sides of the border.

Peoples’ Conference chief Sajad Lone also welcomed the announcement. “The inhabitants of the border areas in J and K have had a harrowing time. Hope they are able to resume their lives and hope we as a society come to their aid and help them rebuild their homes,” Lone said.

Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) continued to respond strongly to ceasefire violations from the Pakistani side in several areas of Jammu, according to initial reports.

india