logo
Calm prevails in Punjab after understanding between India, Pakistan to stop military actions

Calm prevails in Punjab after understanding between India, Pakistan to stop military actions

The Hindu11-05-2025

Calm prevailed in Punjab, especially in the border areas of the state, on Sunday (May 11, 2025) morning, following an understanding between India and Pakistan to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea.
Authorities have asked people to resume their normal activities and maintain calm.
At around 8:30 a.m., the district administration in Amritsar asked people to resume their normal routine.
India-Pakistan ceasefire LIVE
The Jalandhar district administration also said there was nothing to worry and work may resume as usual.
#WATCH | ACP Airport, Amritsar, Yadwinder Singh says, "Situation is peaceful...Some rumours are being spread. But there is adequate security...It is peaceful now, there is no drone activity. People should not panic. I appeal to the media to verify the reports coming to them and… https://t.co/Q9fendfcm9pic.twitter.com/naA0Rys9GI — ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2025
"All is well here in Jalandhar. According to the information received, there is nothing to worry and work may resume as usual. Forces are on a constant vigil," Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal said.
However, the district authorities have requested people not to burst firecrackers or fly drones.
"We will take immediate action and inform you in time if there is any information of any threat in the area," the DC said.
The Sangrur district authorities urged people not to lend credence to any rumours and to stay calm.
Meanwhile, people in Punjab, which shares a 553-km border with Pakistan, were back to their normal activities.
Morning walkers, especially in border districts like Amritsar, Pathankot and Ferozepur, thanked the country's armed forces.
"It is because of our forces that you see us here today without any fear. Over the past few days, we saw how Pakistan carried out drone attacks targeting several parts of Punjab and some other states.
"But our brave forces acted as a shield and thwarted their misadventures. They gave a strong reply to perpetrators of terrorism and destroyed terror camps under Operation Sindoor. Now that an understanding has come into effect, let us hope that peace prevails, but if Pakistan again commits any misadventure, they will be given a stern reply," said Amritsar resident Amarjit Singh.
Another Amritsar resident, Pawan Kumar, said after days of tension, things are back to normal.
"Over the last few days, Amritsar saw a decline in tourist footfalls because of the tense situation. Now, hopefully, peace shall prevail," he said.
Citizens feel relief
Simran from Pathankot said, "Though there was anxiety among people over the last few days, we were confident that our armed forces were there to protect us against any Pakistani misadventure." "However, the understanding between the two countries (to stop military action) has come as a relief," she added.
An elderly resident from Ferozepur was out on a morning walk with a group of friends.
"We have resumed our morning routine after staying indoors for a few days. Things are back to normal and we hope that peace will prevail," he said.
Another morning walker from the industrial hub of Ludhiana said, "Nobody wants a war as it only causes destruction and hits the economy. But if Pakistan or any other country indulges in any misadventure, India will hit back hard and give a befitting reply. Besides, India has a firm policy against any act of terror." In Chandigarh and adjoining Panchkula in Haryana, morning walkers were heard discussing the current situation.
After Pakistan violated the terms of the understanding between the two countries to stop military actions, Punjab had reimposed blackout measures in several districts as a precautionary measure on Saturday evening.
The measures were put in place in several districts, including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga, Kapurthala and Muktsar.
Blackout measures withdrawn
Authorities had earlier withdrawn the blackout measures and restrictive orders after India and Pakistan reached the understanding to stop military actions following four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
At a media briefing late on Saturday evening, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with "seriousness and responsibility".
The armed forces have been given instructions to deal strongly with any instances of repetition of the violations along the International Border as well as the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
The directors general of military operations (DGMOs) of the two countries had agreed to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea with effect from 5 pm on Saturday, Misri had announced earlier.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

IMEEC to have profound impact on world connectivity, says EAM Jaishankar
IMEEC to have profound impact on world connectivity, says EAM Jaishankar

Time of India

time11 minutes ago

  • Time of India

IMEEC to have profound impact on world connectivity, says EAM Jaishankar

Terming connectivity as an important part of diplomacy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said the IMEEC once completed will offer a significant land- and sea-based connectivity to Europe all the way up to the Pacific. The India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) will comprise two separate corridors, the east corridor connecting India to the Gulf and the northern corridor connecting the Gulf to Europe. Highlighting the need for land, sea, and air connectivity "in as many options and as many variants as possible," Jaishankar told a panel discussion at the inaugural Raisina Mediterranean 2025 here, "The connectivity initiatives, I think, have become a very important part of diplomacy today." Even when the IMEEC is not in place as yet, Europe has a "fairly ready and efficient access" to India's western coast, despite the threats by Houthis to shipping, he said. "We are making very major investments in railways, and then trying to connect eastern India all the way to Vietnam." Reminding the audience how the Suez Canal took ages to make, he said, "But once it was done, you see what a profound impact it's had on the world. So actually, if we can pull that (IMEEC) off, you will get from Europe a route all the way to the Pacific, which will be significantly land based, but partly sea based." Live Events "And in some ways, it would be a counter to the reliance on the Arctic, whenever the Arctic opens up. The connectivity game is a long game," he said. On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi in 2023, India, European Union , France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE and the US announced an MoU committing to work together to develop the IMEEC. The two corridors intend to enhance connectivity, increase efficiency, reduce costs, secure regional supply chains, increase trade accessibility and generate jobs, resulting in a transformative integration of Asia, Europe and Middle East, according to the Ministry of External Affairs . The panel discussion was themed 'The Next Special Relationship : Deepening the Strategic Partnership between the Indo-Pacific and Europe.' Jaishankar was joined by Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia; Abigael Vasselier, Director Policy & European Affairs; Head of Programmes, Foreign Relations, Mercator Institute for China Studies, Germany, and Francesco Parisi, President and Managing Director of the Parisi Group of Companies, Italy. While answering a question by the moderator and without taking names, Jaishankar indicated trust-based equations with countries such as who stands by in times of difficulty will have consequences on choices for trade too. "Trust means, intuitively, we are comfortable with each other ... by having similar values, similar approaches, sometimes by saying, okay, in my difficulty, who supported me, or in my security needs, who was willing to go the extra mile? It makes a difference." "So, let us say we've just come out of some security episodes right now. When I look at who stood by us, who would I trust, with whom am I comfortable, it will surely have consequences on my choices and on my decisions," Jaishankar said, apparently referring to the recent India-Pakistan conflict post the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. He had also pointed out how there's a realisation in Europe that a lot of its problems and solutions will have to be analysed and thought through by Europe itself and said, "A Europe which is today more self aware, which is more self reliant, which is more strategically autonomous, will obviously want to look for partners who think similarly and can work with Europe in that respect." "And I think that gives a kind of an additional impetus to India-Europe relations which were evolutionary, but I predict a very sharp acceleration in that," the EAM added.

Operation Sindoor And After: India Must Prepare For A Two-Front War
Operation Sindoor And After: India Must Prepare For A Two-Front War

News18

timean hour ago

  • News18

Operation Sindoor And After: India Must Prepare For A Two-Front War

Last Updated: India should prepare for war not because it is imminent, but because peace must always be secured from a position of strength After Operation Sindoor, it has become abundantly clear that the spectre of a two-front war, where Pakistan and China work in tandem against us, is a reality that cannot be ignored anymore. The collaboration may not be overt, through a joint declaration of war, but the alliance of hostile congruence is undeniable. The idea of a collusive China-Pakistan military front against India is not new. Even before the ink dried on the Simla Agreement of 1972, Pakistan had begun cosying up to China. Their relationship, described over the years as 'higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans", is not just a diplomatic aphorism. It is a strategic reality that has gained menacing proportions in the last two decades. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship of Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative, snakes through territory India claims as its own—Gilgit-Baltistan. This project is not merely an infrastructure endeavour but a visible assertion of China's strategic intent in India's immediate periphery. Add to this, regular joint military exercises, arms sales, intelligence sharing, and even potential nuclear cooperation, and one begins to grasp the nature of the challenge that confronts us. There are those who argue that war is improbable, if not impossible, in the nuclear age. To them, the logic of mutual deterrence ensures peace. But history has shown that even nuclear-armed nations can engage in limited wars or protracted conflicts below the threshold of nuclear engagement. Kargil in 1999, Galwan in 2020, Uri in 2016, Balakot in 2019, and Operation Sindoor (2025) are reminders of this reality. Moreover, one cannot ignore that China is no longer the aloof continental power it once was. Under Xi Jinping, it has adopted an aggressive, almost imperial posture—whether in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, or along the Line of Actual Control with India. Its claims are expansive, its patience limited, and its contempt for the rules-based international order increasingly visible. On the other hand, Pakistan, emboldened by its nuclear arsenal and sustained by a military that acts with near impunity, has found in China not only a patron but also a strategic mentor. The two have aligned not only militarily but ideologically—in their contempt for India's rise and its civilisational model. The time has, therefore, come to actively prepare to deal with this scenario. National security cannot be a matter of episodic attention triggered by the next skirmish on the border or an election season. It requires sustained investment—intellectual, financial, and diplomatic. In other words, we need to put in place a national strategic and defence policy. What could be its possible elements? Expand alliances with like-minded nations. Strategic autonomy does not mean strategic solitude. The ability to balance our interests with Russia and America is particularly important. Both are important sources of defence supplies. Simultaneously, we must strengthen Quad partnerships, further improve ties with ASEAN, and maintain a functional dialogue with China. Equally, we need to accelerate our ongoing defence indigenisation while selectively sourcing cutting-edge technologies from allies. We must also Invest much more in cyber and space defence, where the wars of the future will be shaped before the first bullet is fired. Our efforts to upgrade our border defence infrastructure must be urgently expedited. Finally, we must ensure internal political stability and social harmony. A nation divided within, cannot be united without. While pursuing the above, there is no need for paranoia. We have certain undeniable strengths, and both Pakistan and China have their obvious weaknesses. Pakistan is a nation on the verge of implosion. It is politically unstable—a sham democracy, ostensibly ruled by an unpopular civilian government, but actually run by an army junta that is fast losing credibility. It is also financially bankrupt, running on international doles, most of which goes to pay off old debts. It is internally facing secessionist threats, including unrest in Balochistan and POK. Its most popular leader is languishing in jail, and his party is under shackles. China's economy is lagging, internal resentments over unemployment are growing, and it lacks the safety valve of a democracy. Moreover, under Xi Jinping, its imperialist posture is creating an increasingly cohesive international pushback. Allying with a failed and unstable state like Pakistan could prove to be a proposition with diminishing returns for the Chinese. As against the above, India is a democratic country with close to 1.5 billion people, the fastest growing economy in the globe, and a nuclear power with one of the finest armed forces in the world. It is also one of the world's largest emerging markets, and an entrepreneurial hub. Yet, India must prepare for a two-front war. Not because war is imminent, but because peace must always be secured from a position of strength. For in the end, as Kautilya wrote in the Arthashastra: 'He who is prepared, is the master of his own destiny.' The writer is a former diplomat, an author, and a politician. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 13, 2025, 17:16 IST News opinion Opinion | Operation Sindoor And After: India Must Prepare For A Two-Front War

Comparing 1971 India-Pakistan war & Operation Sindoor
Comparing 1971 India-Pakistan war & Operation Sindoor

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Comparing 1971 India-Pakistan war & Operation Sindoor

Dr. Prashant Prabhakar Deshpande has post-graduated in Economics with a Gold Medal in 1976 and was awarded a Ph.D in Social Sciences from Nagpur University in 2007. Introduction In the aftermath of the Operation Sindoor Congress has been highlighting Pakistan's surrender to India in 1971 Bangladesh war during Smt Indira Gandhi's premiership. However, according to experts, the exercise is futile. According to them, while both achieved their respective objectives, they differ significantly in context, scale, and impact and should be viewed within their distinct historical and strategic frameworks. According to experts, the 1971 war was a full-scale military conflict triggered by widespread human rights violations and a massive refugee crisis in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, where the Pakistani army persecuted the Bengali population, forcing nearly 10 million refugees to flee to India. In response, India initially provided humanitarian aid and extended support to the Bengali resistance force, the Mukti Bahini. When Pakistan launched an attack on both eastern & western fronts, India declared a full-scale war, engaging across land, air, and sea, achieving a decisive victory, leading to the liberation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh, leading to a significant territorial and political shift in South Asia. According to experts, Operation Sindoor in contrast, was a precision military strike launched to dismantle terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) to avenge the massacre of 26 Indian tourists in J&K's Pahalgam on 22nd of April, 2025 destroying 9 terror hideouts using advanced technology, including drones, satellite imagery, and precision-guided weapons. The operation was aimed solely at terrorist infrastructure avoiding civilian or military targets, the objective being to curb terrorism and deliver a strong message to Pakistan without escalating into a full-scale war. After Pakistan's retaliatory strikes, however, India responded firmly that culminated into an agreement to hold fire & military action on May 10, 2025. Comparing 1971 & 2025 According to military experts, comparing the 1971 war with Operation Sindoor is not appropriate, as both had vastly different objectives and contexts. While the 1971 war resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, Operation Sindoor was a limited but targeted military action aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. While the 1971 war reshaped South Asia's political landscape, Operation Sindoor sent a strong message to Pakistan and the terrorist groups it backs, without escalating into a broader conflict. Achievements of Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor reportedly targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, resulting in the destruction of two terrorist headquarters, reportedly killing several terrorists, including 2 designated by the United Nations and 8 on India's most-wanted list. Operation Sindoor highlights a shift towards a proactive defence strategy adopted by India, ensuring national security and regional stability. The destruction of terror camps and Pakistani military assets has sent a strong message to adversaries, reinforcing India's commitment to counter-terrorism. India's precision strikes under Operation Sindoor showcased a modern military doctrine targeting terror camps and Pakistani military installations without engaging in prolonged warfare. India's approach focuses on economic dominance, strategic deterrence, and controlled military engagements, underscoring India's long-term vision, ensuring national security without compromising economic growth under the Viksit Bharat Vision. India agreed to the Pakistani DGMO's request to halt firing & military action only after it achieved its objective to destroy terrorist camps, forcing Pakistan's military to plead. India's actions demonstrated its firm stance against terrorism and cross-border aggression. The country demonstrated its military prowess neutralising half a dozen US and China-made fighter jets along with hundreds of Turkish and Chinese drones deployed by Pakistan in addition to destroying 9 terror camps, eliminating 100+ terrorists, including masterminds behind the Kandahar hijack and 26/11 Mumbai attacks & causing significant losses estimated at $10 billion+. Operation Sindoor demonstrates a decisive shift in India's counter-terrorism strategy, aimed at delivering swift and targeted responses, rather than issuing warnings . Reasons behind India's agreeing to Pakistan's request to hold fire & military action According to experts in today's world, military confrontations are not solely about territorial gains but about economic stability, precision strikes, and global influence. Unlike 1971, when full-fledged warfare was the only viable option, today's geopolitical landscape demands calculated actions that align with economic and strategic priorities, according to them. A prolonged war with Pakistan would derail India's economic growth, disrupt Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), and slow down job creation, negatively impacting the country's development trajectory. As global manufacturing shifts away from China, a prolonged conflict could prevent India from emerging as a key manufacturing hub, securing Beijing's economic dominance. Unlike traditional warfare, modern conflicts focus on precision military operations that weaken adversaries without engaging in prolonged war. Economically fragile and politically unstable Pakistan has nothing to lose from prolonged military engagements. However, China and the US Deep State have vested interests in India's prolonged involvement as: – Pakistan serves as a front for major global powers to sell weapons and destabilize India. – A long military conflict would weaken India's global position, similar to how the West pushed Russia into a multi-year war with Ukraine. Opposition's Nefarious design to play politics on Operation Sindoor Indian opposition parties, including India's grand old party, Indian National Congress, which was in power at the Centre which remained passive after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, are now pushing for war to: Disrupt the government's economic policies by forcing it into a long military conflict, and; Create public discontent if the government refuses to escalate the war, labelling it as weakness. These parties do not realise or do not want to realise that they are playing into the hands of India's adversary, Pakistan, which has been since long harbouring terrorists, doing a disservice to the nation, discrediting & demoralising the country's Armed forces. Epilogue India's recent military operations highlight a shift towards proactive defence strategies & by destroying terror camps, sends a strong message to adversaries, reinforcing India's commitment to counter-terrorism. According to experts, while the Shimla Agreement signed after the 1971 war was aimed at diplomatic resolution, India's modern defence approach underscores the necessity of military deterrence in safeguarding national interest, considering it futile to compare 1971 war & Operation Sindoor. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store