Calm Returns To Border Regions As India-Pakistan Ceasefire Holds, First Peaceful Night In 19 Days

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025, 9:27 [IST]

Following the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on Saturday evening, the night spanning Sunday to Monday remained largely peaceful across Jammu and Kashmir, as well as other regions along the Line of Control and the International Border, according to the Army.

No incidents of shelling or gunfire were reported, making it the first night of calm in 19 days, reported India Today.

Photo Credit: PTI

People wait after authorities in Jammu and Kashmir asked residents of border villages, who were evacuated to safer places in view of cross border shelling by Pakistan, not to rush back to homes until the areas are sanitized and cleared of any unexplored shells, in Baramulla district of J&K, Sunday, May 11, 2025. India and Pakistan reached a bilateral understanding on Saturday.

The night of 11 May marked a turning point, bringing an end to weeks of persistent ceasefire violations since the Pahalgam attack on April 22. From April 23 to May 6, sporadic small arms fire was reported across several sectors along the Line of Control, escalating to heavy artillery shelling and aerial assaults between May 7 and 11.

Signs of normalcy are now returning to Surankot in Poonch, a border town that had recently turned desolate due to intense shelling and frequent violations. With no new ceasefire breaches reported overnight, there is renewed hope among residents to return to their homes.

Only two days ago, Surankot experienced heavy bombardment, sparking widespread panic. Many residents fled the town, seeking refuge in nearby hill villages, bunkers, or relocating to safer areas of Jammu. Now, with conditions improving, people are preparing to return.

Stability has been observed not just in border regions but also in other parts of the country. In Chandigarh, all restrictions were officially lifted on Sunday.

"Daily life has resumed and the situation is now stable," confirmed the city's Deputy Commissioner.

Shops and commercial establishments have been allowed to operate as per regular hours. The Deputy Commissioner also urged the public to refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation.

A resident from Jaisalmer similarly reported a return to normality.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "Everything is fine, and the markets are open. There are no issues during the day. Shops usually close around 7:30 pm, but our livelihoods remain unaffected."

Published On May 12, 2025