India-Pakistan Tensions Ease as Ceasefire Holds; Airports Reopen, Border Life Normalizes
Following an understanding reached May 10, India and Pakistan have maintained a ceasefire, halting military actions. The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) held hotline talks to discuss restoring calm. Consequently, 32 Indian airports shut during the hostilities have reopened for civilian flights, with airlines resuming operations. Life in border villages, where over two lakh residents were evacuated, is returning to normal, although authorities advise caution due to potential unexploded ordnance.
Unpacked:
Hostilities escalated after a terrorist attack on April 22 in the Kashmir region, which India blamed on Pakistan. In response, India launched missile strikes as part of "Operation Sindoor." Pakistan denied involvement, but tensions rose rapidly, leading to a brief armed conflict until the ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10.
The ceasefire was negotiated directly between India and Pakistan, but the process was facilitated by the United States and involved support from 36 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the UK, UN, and China. Both sides agreed to halt military actions and begin talks on broader issues.
Civilians in border villages, over 200,000 of whom were evacuated during hostilities, are returning home. Airports have reopened and daily life is resuming, but authorities remain cautious due to the risk of unexploded ordnance in the area, advising residents to be vigilant.
Both countries have agreed to maintain the ceasefire, reduce troop presence at the borders, and open discussions on broader issues at a neutral site. Military hotlines remain active, and both sides are expected to continue diplomatic engagement to address underlying disputes, particularly over Kashmir.