Srinagar residents hope Ceasefire will bring long-lasting peace

Srinagar, May 10: The tense silence that had enveloped Kashmir's summer capital for days finally broke Saturday evening—not with another explosion, but with news that brought collective relief to its anxious residents: India and Pakistan had agreed to an immediate ceasefire.

The announcement came as a desperately needed respite for Srinagarites who had endured escalating tensions, particularly during the fear-filled evenings of Friday and Saturday. Residents across the city, who had been living with frayed nerves and mounting anxiety, described the past 48 hours as among the most terrifying in recent memory.

"The explosion-like sounds in the early hours of Saturday morning sent waves of panic through our neighbourhood," said Javaid Khan, a resident of Humhama near the airport. "Children were crying, elderly people were praying—no one could sleep."

The incident that particularly alarmed citizens occurred on Saturday when a missile-like object crashed into the iconic Dal Lake, sending shockwaves of fear through nearby communities and triggering widespread panic. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area, but the damage to public morale had already been done.

"For two straight days, we've experienced nothing but growing dread—continuous shelling, power outages, and a constant state of uncertainty," explained Abrar Ahmad, whose home lies in the flight path of Srinagar International Airport. "We've been living minute-to-minute, wondering if we should evacuate or stay put."

The crisis had effectively paralysed daily life in Srinagar. Educational institutions remained shuttered, with parents keeping children indoors. The once-bustling streets and marketplaces stood eerily deserted, particularly in the morning hours, with only occasional vehicles breaking the unusual silence. Tourist areas that normally buzzed with activity appeared abandoned, dealing yet another blow to the region's fragile economy.

"I've never seen Lal Chowk this empty except during strict curfews," remarked Bashir Ahmad, a shopkeeper, referring to the city's commercial heart. "The few shops that opened were quickly overwhelmed with people hoarding essentials. Rice, flour, and cooking gas prices skyrocketed almost overnight."

The suspension of Hajj flights added another layer of distress for hundreds of pilgrims whose long-awaited religious journey was suddenly thrown into uncertainty. The airport's closure to civilian traffic left many stranded, with no clear timeline for the resumption of services.

Samiya Jan, whose parents were scheduled to depart for the pilgrimage, expressed both frustration and fear: "This is something they've saved for their entire lives. Now they sit at home, glued to news channels, wondering if they'll ever make the journey."

Against this backdrop of mounting tension, the ceasefire announcement came like the first rain after a prolonged drought. Officials from both India and Pakistan addressed the media separately but conveyed the same message: hostilities would cease immediately under a mutually agreed framework.

The news spread rapidly through social media channels, with videos of the official announcements being shared thousands of times. Digital platforms that had been filled with alarming updates and rumours suddenly transformed into forums of collective relief and cautious celebration.

"Finally, a good decision. War will only bring grief, and now whole Kashmir will have a sigh of relief," wrote one widely shared post. Another resident tweeted: "May this ceasefire hold forever. We've seen enough suffering for generations."

In areas across Srinagar, people cautiously emerged from their homes, exchanging news and congratulations. Small gatherings formed in living rooms and local mosques, where prayers of gratitude were offered.

"The weight that has been lifted from our shoulders is immense," said Mehraj-ud-din, an elderly resident of downtown Srinagar. "For the first time in days, I believe my grandchildren might sleep without nightmares tonight."

Local authorities have indicated that schools may reopen as early as Monday, and preliminary discussions are underway to resume Hajj flights within the week. Merchants have begun restocking shelves, and there are early signs that tourism bookings, which had been cancelled en masse, might slowly recover.