Just hours after India and Pakistan declared a U.S.-brokered cease-fire on Saturday, the skies over Srinagar lit up with explosions – casting speedy doubt on the truce’s sturdiness.
“What the hell just happened to the cease-fire? Explosions heard across Srinagar,” posted Omar Abdullah, chief minister of Indian-administered Kashmir, on X, signaling recent unease within the long-volatile area.
The cease-fire – introduced after a harmful barrage of cross-border missile fireplace – was meant to halt the worst spike in hostilities since final month’s mass taking pictures, which India blames on Pakistan.
Both nations had exchanged intense fireplace earlier within the day, risking a broader battle between nuclear neighbors.
While Indian Wing Commander Vyomika Singh assured reporters that New Delhi was dedicated to “non-escalation, provided the Pakistan side reciprocates,” Islamabad’s response urged lingering bitterness. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated its forces solely retaliated after “unprovoked and unlawful Indian aggression,” claiming Indian strikes had killed civilians and hit a number of websites alongside the border.
Still, Islamabad acknowledged it stays open to “constructive diplomacy and comprehensive dialogue,” reiterating its long-held demand that the Kashmir subject be resolved by means of negotiations.
Meanwhile, world diplomacy was in overdrive. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held pressing calls with Indian officers and Pakistani military chief Gen. Asim Munir, urging calm and inspiring each side to drag again from the brink, in keeping with the State Department.
China additionally weighed in, voicing sturdy help for Pakistan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised Islamabad’s “restraint” and promised Beijing would proceed to face by its “ironclad” companion in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry launched a press release quoting Wang, although the timing of their dialog – earlier than or after the cease-fire – remained unclear.
Source: www.dailysabah.com