'This is no ceasefire': Jammu-Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah says explosions heard in Srinagar

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has voiced strong concerns over the recent cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, after reports of explosions and air defence activity in Srinagar.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Abdullah questioned the authenticity of the ceasefire, stating, "This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up."

In another post, he expressed his alarm, writing, "What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!"

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting at his residence on Saturday, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. Also present were Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

On the same day, India and Pakistan reached an understanding to halt all military action and firing. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's position, stating in a post on X, "India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so."

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) had contacted his Indian counterpart on Saturday afternoon. "Pakistan's DGMO called Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours IST," he said.

Misri added, "Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on May 12 at 1200 hours."

The ceasefire announcement follows a period of intense tensions, with India launching Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people. India retaliated by striking nine terrorist sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. In response, Pakistan escalated tensions by deploying artillery guns and drones in unprovoked attacks.

(With ANI inputs)