The night of May 11 and 12 brought a long-awaited stillness across Jammu and Kashmir. For the first time in several days, the sounds of shelling and gunfire were absent along the Line of Control and International Border, where people had grown accustomed to the terrifying rhythm of conflict. This break in hostilities came after relentless days marked by violence, death, and displacement, and offered a reprieve to those living under the shadow of war. This period of calm followed an agreement between India and Pakistan to halt military actions, a decision that was reached through diplomatic channels and military-level discussions. The ceasefire arrived in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam had claimed 26 lives, prompting a swift and powerful response from the Indian military in the form of what was termed “Operation Sindoor”. This operation, carried out across the border, targeted and dismantled several terrorist infrastructures. In response, shelling in districts like Poonch caused extensive damage and the deaths of innocent people, including children. Raj Kumar Thappa, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Ramban, was also among the casualties. These people, many of them already living in hardship, had to seek refuge in schools, religious institutions, and makeshift shelters. The retaliatory strikes launched by India in response to the Pahalgam attack drew attention from across the world. According to officials, they were not limited to border posts but reached deep into Pakistani territory, including areas close to Rawalpindi. Drone activity from across the border also intensified, extending even to cities like Srinagar and Awantipora. Indian security forces managed to intercept these threats, and ground forces remained on high alert even after the ceasefire took hold. Despite the government’s announcement of a cessation in military actions, soldiers and commanders were instructed to stay vigilant and prepared to act if provoked. While the night passed without incident, there is an understanding among officials that peace remains fragile. The calm was described by many as a welcome, but cautious, moment of relief, not a resolution. In New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh publicly acknowledged the armed forces’ role in responding to the terror attack. He described Operation Sindoor as a message not just to terrorist organisations but to the global community—that India would not stand idle in the face of violence. He asserted that India’s actions reflected its national resolve and a broader policy to not spare those who harm its citizens. According to Singh, the response extended beyond the border, making it clear that India would not be deterred by geographical boundaries when it came to protecting its people. That peaceful night, even if brief, reminded people living near the border of what life feels like without fear. But the pain of recent loss is still fresh, and many fear the violence could return. Still, this moment of quiet allows people to rest, recover, and, perhaps, look ahead to a future where peace is more than just a pause between attacks.
Border Calm
