Explosions in Kashmir after ceasefire agreed
Loud explosions have been heard in Srinagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir, hours after India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire following days of deadly cross-border attacks.
The announcement of the internationally mediated agreement has been welcomed with relief by politicians and residents in both countries and the areas in Kashmir that each country administers.UAE’s top diplomat speaks with Indian, Pakistani counterparts
Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed spoke with India’s Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar.
He “commended the wisdom of both sides in agreeing to a ceasefire, which would benefit the security and stability of both countries, their people, and the South Asian region”, the Foreign Ministry said.
The UAE is a main destination for Pakistani and Indian workers and maintains close ties with both countries.Pakistan says it remains committed to ceasefire with India
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry says the country “remains committed to a faithful implementation of the ceasefire” announced with India earlier amid accusations of violations along the Line of Control.
In a statement responding to comments made by India’s foreign secretary, Pakistan accused India of committing breaches of the truce “in some areas”.
“Notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in some areas, our forces are handling the situation with responsibility and restraint,” it said.
Pakistan also called for both sides to address any issues through dialogue and encouraged ground troops to avoid escalation.
“We believe that any issues in smooth implementation of the ceasefire should be addressed through communication at appropriate levels. The troops on ground should also exercise restraint.”Residents describe damage from Kashmir attacks
Shesh Paul Vaid, the region’s former top police official and Jammu resident, said, “It looks like a war here.”
Buildings were destroyed or damaged in Indian-administered Kashmir, where powerful blasts ripped off roofs, windows and walls and left homes riddled with holes.
Vaid said explosions were heard from areas with military bases, adding it appeared army sites were targeted. Residents living near Srinagar’s airport, which is also an airbase, said they were rattled by the explosions and booming sound of jets.
“I was already awake, but the explosions jolted my kids out of their sleep. They started crying,” said Srinagar resident Mohammed Yasin.Bangladesh welcomes India-Pakistan ceasefire
The Bangladesh government’s chief adviser, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has welcomed the breakthrough agreement between India and Pakistan to immediately cease hostilities.
“I most sincerely commend Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan for agreeing to a ceasefire with immediate effect and to engage in talks,” Yunus said in a post on X
“I would also like to express my deep appreciation to President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio for their effective mediation. Bangladesh will continue to support our two neighbours to resolve differences through diplomacy.”Ceasefire offers chance for lasting peace
Paul Staniland, South Asia expert and a professor of political science at the University of Chicago, says the ceasefire is “a clear signal of de-escalation and will hopefully end the direct fighting for the near future”.
“Ideally, this leads to a new period of relative stability and quiet in the region,” he said. “It is certainly possible the ceasefire will hold since the two countries had entered risky and costly territory that they will probably not be in a hurry to revisit quickly.”
Staniland said India would largely resist crediting the Trump administration for the truce and ignore broad talks on issues such as Kashmir.
