The Indian Army has reported the first calm night along the Line of Control (LoC) in recent days, marking a significant de-escalation following several days of intense cross-border military conflict between India and Pakistan. This pause in hostilities comes after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement established on Saturday, which mandates a halt to all military actions on land, air, and sea.
The recent escalation was triggered by a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 Indian tourists. India attributed the attack to militants backed by Pakistan, a claim that Islamabad denies. In retaliation, India launched strikes on areas in Pakistan, citing them as terrorist sites, while Pakistan alleges these were civilian targets.
Both nations have suffered civilian and military casualties during the conflict, and while each side claims significant enemy losses, these claims remain unverified. Despite the damage incurred, Indian military officials have confirmed continued operational readiness, emphasizing that their conflict is against terrorists rather than Pakistani forces or civilians.
The ceasefire has brought some economic relief, with rises in both nations’ markets and Pakistan securing a $1.4 billion loan from the IMF. While Pakistan has welcomed U.S. mediation, India maintains that Kashmir is a bilateral issue, rejecting third-party involvement.
Despite the current calm, unease persists among civilians in the affected regions. Many villagers along the border remain hesitant to return home due to ongoing risks, including unexploded munitions. Authorities on both sides have advised evacuees not to return to their villages until safety can be assured.
Senior military officials from both countries are expected to assess the ceasefire’s status through a scheduled call. While the situation has stabilized for now, the underlying tensions over the Kashmir dispute remain unresolved, and residents on both sides express skepticism about lasting peace.
