Pakistan and India agree truce – but violence in Kashmir goes on

Trump tries to take the credit, but India says the two countries reached ceasefire agreement themselves

- James Tapper London & Yusuf Jameel Srinagar

India and Pakistan agreed a “full and immediate” ceasefire yesterday, bringing hopes of an end to a weeks-long conflict in which 66 people were killed in exchanges of missile strikes, drone attacks and artillery fire across the disputed border of Kashmir.

Yet within hours of the announcement, there were apparent violations of the truce, as explosions were heard in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, while witnesses reported blasts from drone attacks in the city of Jammu.

Omar Abdullah, the state’s chief minister, posted online: “This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.”

Donald Trump had claimed credit for the ceasefire on social media, saying: “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE.” Shortly afterwards, Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s deputy prime minister, confirmed a “full-fledged” ceasefire, saying his country “strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity”.