Jammu and Srinagar were rocked by loud explosions in the early hours of Saturday, as tensions between India and Pakistan reached new heights. The explosions were heard in various parts of Jammu city around 4:30 AM, followed by similar sounds in Srinagar. Udhampur’s Dibber area also experienced an explosion, with a video shared by news agency ANI showing plumes of smoke rising from the area while air sirens blared. The Jammu region has been under a complete blackout, adding to the growing sense of unrest.
The situation escalated further as heavy shelling was reported from Pakistan’s side in several regions, including Akhnoor, Gurez, Uri, Hamirpur, and Pallanwala. The ongoing shelling and explosions have heightened the already intense situation along the Line of Control (LoC), leaving locals fearful and anxious.
The Background of Rising Tensions
The explosions come after a series of airstrikes carried out by India on May 7, targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes were a direct response to the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which had cross-border connections and was attributed to Pakistan-based terrorists. The airstrikes have significantly raised tensions, with both countries now engaged in a war of words and military maneuvers.
Pakistan’s Counterclaims
In response to India’s precision strikes, Pakistan has made counterclaims. Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, held a press conference early on Saturday, claiming that three Pakistani airbases—Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Shorkot, Jhang district)—were targeted by Indian missiles and drones. However, Chaudhry did not provide any concrete evidence to back up these allegations, and the claims remain unverified.
Adding to the growing tension, Pakistan closed its airspace to all flights from 3:15 AM to 12:00 PM (local time) on May 10, 2025, in response to the situation. Pakistan’s airspace closure has further fueled the sense of unease, particularly after Pakistan failed to close its airspace during a drone and missile attack launched on Indian cities on May 7.
India’s Stance on the Escalating Conflict
India has voiced concerns over Pakistan’s handling of its airspace during the recent conflict. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force (IAF) criticized Pakistan for endangering civilian lives by keeping its airspace open while simultaneously launching drone and missile attacks against Indian cities.
“Pakistan refrained from shutting down its civil airspace despite carrying out an unprovoked and unsuccessful drone and missile attack on Indian cities. This shows a clear and dangerous tactic of using civilian airliners as shields, fully aware that India’s air defense forces would respond robustly,” said Singh at a press briefing.
Ongoing Military Operations and Civilian Impact
While the military operations continue to escalate, the explosions and shelling have left civilians in both Jammu and Kashmir worried. There have been reports of increasing disruptions to daily life in both regions, with businesses shuttering and civilians seeking shelter due to the ongoing security threat.
As the situation remains volatile, residents in the affected areas are being urged to remain vigilant and adhere to government advisories. Local authorities have also deployed additional security forces to prevent further escalation and safeguard civilians.
The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has not only threatened regional stability but also strained the lives of people caught in the crossfire. The escalation serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance of peace in the region and the urgent need for diplomatic intervention.
Conclusion
With both sides ramping up their military operations and making conflicting claims, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense. While the explosions and shelling are a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict, the larger question remains: will there be a diplomatic resolution, or will the escalation continue to threaten the fragile peace in the region? For now, the eyes of the world remain on South Asia, hoping for de-escalation and dialogue between the two nuclear-armed nations.
Sources By Agencies
