Indian authorities have yet to confirm whether the explosions were the result of an attack, a military exercise, or another incident. Sources within the Jammu and Kashmir administration indicated that an investigation is underway, with preliminary reports suggesting the involvement of air defense systems responding to a potential aerial threat.
BY PC Bureau
May 10, 2025 – Just hours after a ceasefire agreement was reportedly reaffirmed between India and Pakistan, the city of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir was shaken by multiple explosions, raising concerns about the fragility of the peace process. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to social media to express alarm, questioning the validity of the ceasefire with a pointed statement: “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!”
The blasts, reported around 8:53 PM IST, were followed by air defense units engaging in the heart of Srinagar, according to posts on X and local reports. Residents described hearing two loud explosions, accompanied by sirens in parts of Jammu, signaling heightened security measures. The exact cause of the explosions remains unclear, with no official statement from the Indian military or government at the time of reporting. Speculation on social media pointed to possible ceasefire violations by Pakistan, though no group has claimed responsibility for the incidents.
This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up. pic.twitter.com/HjRh2V3iNW
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 10, 2025
Omar Abdullah, in a subsequent post at 9:10 PM IST, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.” His remarks reflect growing unease among local leaders and residents, who have long lived under the shadow of cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.
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The ceasefire, originally established in 2003 and reaffirmed in February 2021, has been a cornerstone of efforts to reduce hostilities along the Line of Control (LoC). However, sporadic violations have persisted, with both sides occasionally accusing each other of breaching the agreement. The timing of the explosions, so soon after reports of renewed commitments to peace, has fueled skepticism about the durability of the truce.
Eyewitnesses in Srinagar described a tense atmosphere following the blasts, with security forces deployed across the city and residents urged to remain indoors. “We heard loud booms, and then the sirens started. It felt like the ground shook,” said a local shopkeeper, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. Posts on X echoed similar sentiments, with users sharing unverified videos and images purportedly capturing the sounds of explosions and flashing lights in the night sky.
The incidents have sparked widespread debate online, with hashtags such as #IndiaPakistanWar and #NoWar trending on X. Some users expressed outrage, accusing Pakistan of violating the ceasefire, while others called for restraint and urged both nations to prioritize peace. “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire???” wrote one user, echoing Abdullah’s sentiments.
Indian authorities have yet to confirm whether the explosions were the result of an attack, a military exercise, or another incident. Sources within the Jammu and Kashmir administration indicated that an investigation is underway, with preliminary reports suggesting the involvement of air defense systems responding to a potential aerial threat. However, without official confirmation, speculation continues to dominate public discourse.
The explosions come at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity, with India and Pakistan navigating complex diplomatic relations. Recent efforts to de-escalate tensions, including backchannel talks, had raised hopes for stability in the region. However, Saturday’s events threaten to undermine these efforts, reigniting fears of escalation along the LoC.
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As the situation develops, all eyes are on New Delhi and Islamabad for their responses. Chief Minister Abdullah’s public questioning of the ceasefire underscores the urgency of addressing the incident transparently to prevent further erosion of trust. For the people of Srinagar, the sounds of explosions serve as a stark reminder of the challenges in sustaining peace in one of the world’s most militarized regions.
