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India and Pakistan Trade Accusations After Ceasefire Agreement
Following an agreement to a ceasefire after days of intense cross-border military action, India and Pakistan have exchanged accusations of “violations.” This development raises concerns about the fragility of the newly established truce and the ongoing Kashmir conflict.
Ceasefire Violations Claimed
India’s Perspective
Following reports of explosions in Indian-administered Kashmir, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that there had been “repeated violations of the understanding we arrived at.” He emphasized the ceasefire agreement had been breached.
Pakistan’s Response
Shortly after, Pakistan’s foreign ministry asserted its commitment to the “faithful implementation of a ceasefire…notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in some areas.” This reciprocal blame game underscores the delicate nature of the situation.
Escalation and De-escalation in Kashmir
Recent Military Confrontation
The preceding four days saw the most severe military confrontation between the two rival nations in recent decades, marked by the use of advanced weaponry.
- Drones
- Missiles
- Artillery
Timeline Leading to Ceasefire
The recent escalation began when India launched strikes against targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, citing a response to a deadly militant assault in Pahalgam the previous month. Pakistan denied any involvement in that attack.
Ceasefire Announcement and Initial Reactions
The announcement of a “full and immediate ceasefire” came after four days of intense cross-border action. Initial reactions included:
- US announcement via Truth Social Platform
- Confirmation by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, noting the involvement of “three dozen countries” in the diplomacy.
Post-Ceasefire Developments
Reports of Explosions
Shortly after the ceasefire was announced, residents and BBC reporters in Srinagar and Jammu, major cities in Indian-administered Kashmir, reported hearing explosions and witnessing flashes in the sky.
Official Statements
India’s Response
Vikram Misri condemned the “repeated violations” of the previously agreed-upon understanding and affirmed that India’s armed forces were “giving an appropriate response,” urging Pakistan to address these infractions.
Pakistan’s Response
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the ceasefire, stating that its forces were handling the situation “with responsibility and restraint” despite alleged violations by India. They suggested resolving any issues through communication at appropriate levels and called for restraint from troops on the ground.
Background on the Kashmir Dispute
Kashmir remains a contested region, claimed in full by both India and Pakistan, but administered in part by each since the partition following independence from Britain in 1947. The region is a major point of contention.
- Two wars have been fought over the region.
- The region is a flashpoint between the two nuclear-armed nations.
Reactions to the Ceasefire
Statements from Leaders
- India’s external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, confirmed an understanding on halting firing and military action.
- Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, stated the ceasefire was “for the benefit of everybody.”
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that India and Pakistan had agreed to begin talks on a broad range of issues at a neutral site.
International Response
- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed “all efforts to de-escalate the conflict.”
- UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer noted Britain’s engagement in talks and expressed satisfaction with the ceasefire.
Context of Recent Tensions
The recent upsurge in conflict followed heightened tensions after the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam weeks prior.
Aftermath of Pahalgam Attack
Survivors of the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir reported that the militants specifically targeted Hindu men. India’s defense ministry stated its strikes were aimed at holding accountable those responsible for the attack, while Pakistan deemed them “unprovoked.”
Casualties
Pakistan reported that Indian air strikes and cross-border fire had resulted in 36 deaths in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India’s army reported at least 21 civilian deaths due to Pakistani shelling.
Escalation on Friday
The fighting intensified overnight on Friday, with accusations exchanged regarding the targeting of airbases and other military installations.