India, Pakistan reach ceasefire, trade claims of violations
Intermittent exchange of fire is ongoing across the de facto border.
Migrants wait to board a train to leave Jammu in Indian-administered Kashmir
Money SHARMA / AFP
Daily TribuneIntermittent exchange of fire is ongoing across the de facto border.
Migrants wait to board a train to leave Jammu in Indian-administered Kashmir
Money SHARMA / AFP
ISLAMABAD (AFP) — India and Pakistan traded accusations of ceasefire violations early Sunday, hours after United States President Donald Trump announced that the nuclear-armed neighbors had stepped back from the brink of full-blown war.
India’s foreign secretary said it retaliated after Pakistan’s “repeated violations” of the truce, while Pakistan said it “remains committed” to the ceasefire and that its forces were handling violations by India with “responsibility and restraint.”
Agence France-Presse (AFP) staff in Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir reported hearing loud explosions. A senior official in Pakistani-run Kashmir told AFP that in the contested region, the Line of Control (LoC).
More details were not immediately available, and it was not possible to independently verify the claims.
On Saturday, Pakistan and India had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after days of deadly jet fighter, missile, drone and artillery attacks which killed at least 60 people and saw thousands flee their homes along the border as well as in divided Kashmir.
The news had been surprisingly announced by Trump on Saturday.
“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. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence,” Trump posted.
Late Saturday, Trump posted again on Truth Social, praising the leaders of India and Pakistan for understanding that “it was time to stop the current aggression,” and also pledging to increase trade “substantially” with both nations.
The US president also said he would work with New Delhi and Islamabad to “see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir.”
India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri had said earlier that both sides would “stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea” with effect from 5 p.m.
He then accused Pakistan of “repeated violations” and said the Indian armed forces “are giving an adequate and appropriate response.”
Meanwhile, the foreign ministry in Islamabad said Pakistan “remains committed to faithful implementation” of the truce.
“Notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in some areas, our forces are handling the situation with responsibility and restraint,” it said.