Following intense cross-border firing between India and Pakistan, normalcy returns to Samba, Akhnoor, Kupwara, and Punjab’s border towns; India warns of strong response to any future violations.
Samba (Jammu and Kashmir), May 11:
After four consecutive days of cross-border shelling and heightened military activity between India and Pakistan, relative calm returned to the border regions of Jammu-Kashmir and Punjab on Sunday morning.
According to local reports, no incidents of drone sightings, firing, or shelling were recorded overnight in key districts like Samba, Kupwara, Poonch, Uri, Ferozpur, and Pathankot, offering temporary relief to civilians residing along the volatile border.
“Nothing happened over the night. It was only yesterday that firing took place in Akhnoor. We hope it remains the same. However, we can’t trust them, as they can do anything,” said Jitendar Singh, a local resident of Samba, speaking to ANI.
While the situation appears calm, the Indian government remains on high alert, especially following Pakistan’s violation of a ceasefire understanding reached just a day earlier between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations.
In a special press briefing on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the breach, confirming that despite the agreed cessation of military action, Pakistan had resumed unprovoked firing, compelling India to retaliate with “adequate and appropriate” military responses.
“This is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today. The armed forces are giving an adequate and appropriate response to these violations and we take very, very serious note of these violations,” Misri stated.
He emphasized that India has issued clear instructions to its armed forces to maintain strict vigilance along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) and to respond firmly to any repeated violations.
India also called upon Pakistan to honour its commitments and “deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility,” highlighting the need for diplomatic accountability amid volatile ground conditions.
Despite Saturday’s escalation, Sunday brought much-needed respite to residents of both border states. Security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, while administrative authorities remain on standby should hostilities resume.
The brief lull in tensions comes amid heightened diplomatic efforts and international calls for de-escalation, even as India maintains its uncompromising position on national security and counterterrorism.