Following the ceasefire agreement reached between India and Pakistan on Saturday evening, the intervening night of May 11 and 12 passed without incident across Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border, according to the Indian Army. For the first time in nearly three weeks, no reports of gunfire or shelling were received, marking a much-needed moment of calm after days of intense military exchanges.
The night brought a notable pause in hostilities that had begun after the terrorist strike in Pahalgam on April 22. Between April 23 and May 6, several sectors had seen continuous small arms fire, which later escalated into heavy shelling and aerial threats from May 7 to May 11.
In Surankot, a border town in Poonch district that had witnessed heavy bombardment just two days ago, the impact of the ceasefire was immediately felt. The area, which had been largely deserted due to repeated attacks, is now seeing signs of life returning. Residents who had fled to safer areas or taken refuge in hillside shelters and bunkers are expressing hope of coming back to their homes soon.
The truce has also brought relief to other regions such as Rajouri, Akhnoor, Pathankot, Kulgam, Budgam, and even beyond the conflict zones. Social media and local networks are flooded with visuals showing open markets and restored routine activity in cities like Srinagar and Sri Ganganagar.
In Chandigarh, where certain precautionary measures had been implemented amid rising tensions, all restrictions were lifted on Sunday. The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that public life has returned to normal and urged residents to refrain from spreading rumors or misinformation.
Markets and businesses have resumed regular operations, and authorities have confirmed there is no disruption to livelihoods. A resident from Jaisalmer shared with ANI that while shops typically close by 7:30 PM, daily commerce remains unaffected and people feel safe during the day.
This stretch of calm follows a period of renewed aggression. Just hours after the ceasefire was announced on Saturday, Pakistan launched a series of missile and drone strikes across various sectors, triggering fears that the truce would collapse. However, with no violations reported the following night, there is cautious optimism that the ceasefire may hold.