Drones shot down at multiple places in Jammu-Kashmir as Pakistan violates bilateral understanding

Vehicles move on a road during blackout in view of the India-Pakistan conflict, in Srinagar, Saturday. Pic/PTI

In a breach of the bilateral understanding announced earlier on Saturday to halt military action, drones were sighted across multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the Indian armed forces to respond with anti-air defence systems, news agency PTI reported.

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A series of explosions were reported in Srinagar as security forces brought down a drone that had been seen hovering over the Batwara area, near an army installation, officials said.

In Nagrota, red streaks were seen and explosions heard as India's air defence intercepts Pakistani drones amid blackout.

Meanwhile, an Indian Army sentry opened fire on Saturday evening after observing suspicious movement outside a military camp in the high-security Nagrota area, an official confirmed.

According to the official, two suspects were seen loitering near the perimeter of the camp. Despite being warned to stop, they ignored the sentry's command, prompting him to open fire.

India-Pakistan tensions: Army sentry observes suspicious movement near camp in Jammu, opens fire

The duo fled the scene, and a large-scale search operation was immediately launched to locate them and eliminate any potential threat.

Security forces remain on high alert as the search continues in and around the area.

These developments come just hours after India confirmed that both the countries had agreed to cease all military actions on land, air and sea. However, Central government sources said on Saturday night that Pakistan had violated the understanding within hours of its announcement, reported PTI.

As flares lit up the night sky and explosions continued at intervals of around 15 minutes, Jammu-Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed strong doubts over the viability of the ceasefire.

"This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up," he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In another post, he added: "What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!"

Officials reported that a drone was detected flying over Baramulla town in north Kashmir around 8.20 p.m. and was swiftly neutralised by anti-drone systems. Another drone was shot down at a high ground in Anantnag, also close to an army facility.

India-Pakistan tensions: Drones seen in Kutch, too

Additional sightings were reported from Verinag in Anantnag district, as well as from Bandipora and Safapora. Officials said further details regarding these incidents were awaited.

The reported drone activity and subsequent response mark a serious strain on the ceasefire understanding announced earlier in the day, which had been intended to de-escalate tensions following weeks of heightened cross-border hostilities.

In Gujarat's border district Kutch, too, several drones were spotted late on Saturday night, prompting the officials to enforce a blackout.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi tweets, "Several drones have been spotted in the Kutch district. A complete blackout will be implemented now. Please stay safe, don't panic." pic.twitter.com/xS1K1fyZ3Y

(With PTI and ANI inputs)