Sun May 11 17:56:17 UTC 2025: ## Ceasefire Holds After Days of Intense India-Pakistan Border Fighting
**New Delhi/Lahore –** A fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan is holding, bringing a temporary end to the worst outbreak of cross-border violence between the nuclear-armed neighbors in decades. The truce, announced Saturday after US-mediated talks, halted days of intense fighting that involved missiles and drone strikes, leaving nearly 70 people dead.
Both sides accused each other of ceasefire violations following the initial agreement, with explosions reported in Indian-administered Kashmir shortly after the truce went into effect. Indian military officials confirmed receiving a “hotline message” from Pakistan regarding these violations and warned of retaliatory action if they continued. Despite these incidents, a relative calm has settled over the border region.
US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire, stating that Washington had played a mediating role. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that both nations had agreed to begin talks on a range of issues at a neutral location. While Pakistan welcomed the US’s involvement, India reiterated its preference for bilateral resolution of disputes, rejecting third-party mediation. Trump praised both leaders for the agreement and promised increased trade ties.
The conflict, centered largely in disputed Kashmir, saw widespread displacement of civilians as residents fled their homes due to the intense shelling. While celebrations erupted in some areas upon the announcement of the ceasefire, many remain cautious, fearing a return to hostilities. Reports indicate that damage to infrastructure, including a key power plant in Uri, is still being assessed. Many displaced families, despite the ceasefire, remain hesitant to return home due to concerns about unexploded ordnance and the overall fragility of the agreement. The long-term viability of the peace remains uncertain, given the history of conflict between the two nations.
First Piper 