India-Pakistan Ceasefire Violations: Fragile Truce Under Strain After May 10, 2025 Announcement
Context of the Ceasefire
The ceasefire was announced after a call at 3:35 PM IST between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan, facilitated by high-level U.S. diplomatic efforts involving Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump’s post on Truth Social at 5:25 PM IST stated, “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE.” The agreement aimed to halt all military actions on land, air, and sea, with both sides issuing orders to their forces to comply immediately.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the ceasefire was initiated after the Pakistani DGMO’s call, emphasizing a bilateral understanding, though India downplayed U.S. mediation. The ceasefire followed two weeks of intense hostilities, including Indian missile strikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor, which killed at least 31 people, including five Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists.
Nature and Extent of Ceasefire Violations
Despite the ceasefire’s announcement, violations began almost immediately, undermining the fragile truce. Pakistan resumed shelling and drone attacks in multiple locations, prompting swift Indian responses. The violations included:
Drone Incursions
- Srinagar, Jammu, Baramulla, Udhampur: Pakistani drones triggered air defense responses. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X: “This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.”
- Punjab (Pathankot, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Ferozepur): Drone sightings prompted air raid sirens and blackouts.
- Rajasthan (Barmer, Jaisalmer): A loud explosion in Jalipa was linked to drone activity, with a blackout alert issued.
- Gujarat (Kutch): The Indian Army shot down a drone, with three others sighted near Sir Creek.
Artillery Shelling and Small Arms Fire
- Udhampur, Rajouri, RS Pura: Pakistan initiated mortar fire and small arms attacks, with heavy shelling reported.
- PoK: Explosions suggested possible Indian retaliatory actions.
Explosions and Projectiles
- Srinagar: Multiple blasts and air defense activity caused a blackout.
- Punjab: Explosion-like sounds in Pathankot and Jalandhar triggered alerts.
- Haryana (Sirsa): Debris from an unidentified projectile was investigated.
Timeline of Key Violations
Ceasefire officially takes effect, but violations begin almost immediately with drone sightings in Kutch, Gujarat.
Explosions heard in Srinagar, with Omar Abdullah noting breaches. Air defense units engage drones.
Shelling reported in RS Pura, Udhampur, and Rajouri, with BSF Sub-Inspector Md Imteyaz killed.
Specific Incidents by Region
The violations were widespread, affecting multiple regions:
- Jammu and Kashmir: Blasts in Srinagar, shelling in RS Pura, and drone activity in Baramulla and Udhampur.
- Punjab: Drone attacks in Ferozepur injured three civilians.
- Rajasthan: An Abdali missile was intercepted over Jaisalmer.
- Gujarat: Drones spotted near Sir Creek prompted a blackout.
Responses to Violations
Indian Response
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned Pakistan’s actions as “provocative and escalatory.” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated: “Forces have been instructed to deal strongly with any violations on the borders.” The BSF and Indian Army repelled attacks, with air defenses intercepting drones.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to address the breaches, while the Ministry of Defence countered misinformation.
Pakistani Response
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar claimed India initiated the violations, warning of a response if attacks continued.
International Reactions
The U.S. and UK urged restraint, with the UN calling the ceasefire a “positive step” but avoiding comment on violations.
Key Impacts of Violations
Casualties and Damage
- BSF Sub-Inspector Md Imteyaz: Killed in RS Pura.
- Raj Kumar Thapa: Rajouri official killed in shelling.
- Civilians: Three injured in Ferozepur.
Implications and Next Steps
The violations underscore the ceasefire’s fragility and the risk of escalation. The DGMO talks on May 12, 2025, will be critical to addressing breaches and restoring trust.