India and Pakistan agreed to a full ceasefire at 5:00 PM following a direct conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations ( DGMO) from both nations. The decision, coming just five days after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, has prompted a wave of reactions from across the political spectrum. Many welcomed the move, but leaders also cautioned that it must not dilute India’s counter-terrorism priorities.
The DGMO-level call took place at 3:35 PM. Both sides agreed to halt all hostilities across land, air, and sea. A follow-up round of talks is set for 12 May.
From Pahalgam to Operation Sindoor
The ceasefire follows weeks of escalation. On 22 April, a terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives, triggering a swift and calculated Indian response. Operation Sindoor, launched on 7 May, saw Indian forces target nine identified terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri provided official details of the agreement. “Instructions have been given on both sides to implement this understanding,” he said. Misri also made it clear that, “Pakistan’s actions constituted provocation. India responded in a responsible and measured fashion.”
Also Read: “No shift in stance on terrorism,” says EAM S Jaishankar after India, Pakistan ceasefire starts at 5 PM
India’s position on terrorism remains firm
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance: “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah echoed the sentiment of continued caution. “If both India and Pakistan have agreed, that is good. However, we must remain cautious...Even if there is a ceasefire, we must stay focused on countering terrorism,” he said.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor viewed the ceasefire as necessary, though delayed. “Peace is essential...I am very glad. India never wanted a long-term war. India wanted war to teach terrorists a lesson, and that lesson has been taught,” he said.
Political leaders demand accountability and debate
Calls for accountability came swiftly. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate broader discussions. “There is now a need for the PM to chair an all-party meeting and take political parties into confidence,” he posted on X.
He added: “In view of the unprecedented announcements from Washington DC, there is now a need, more than ever before, for - 1. The PM to chair an all-party meeting and take political parties into confidence 2. A special session of Parliament to discuss the events of the last eighteen days, beginning with the brutal Pahalgam terror attacks and the way forward, and to demonstrate a collective resolve.”
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also welcomed the ceasefire but warned against complacency. “I welcome the ceasefire and congratulate both sides. Now we won't see the loss of lives of innocent people who have nothing to do with the war...They (Pakistan) must stop this and make sure that these terrorist camps are done away with and they don't become the hotbed of terrorism in this country and as long as that continues, this conflict will continue and a temporary ceasefire will never be permanent,” he said.
Also Read: India and Pakistan agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, next talks on May 12
Regional leaders stress relief, recovery and security
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the ceasefire as overdue. “If it had happened 2-3 days ago, the lives we lost would not have been lost,” he said.
He also pressed for urgent relief. “It is now the duty of J-K government to provide relief and compensation to those who have suffered during this period. We have announced compensation for the loss of precious lives. Now we will have to compensate those who have been injured as well,” he added.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann spoke about border readiness. “We have a good news that ceasefire has been announced, but Punjab will remain vigilant. We will install anti-drone systems on our international border,” he said in Chandigarh.
Voices from Parliament: Justice for victims, respect for forces
RJD MP Manoj Jha drew a sharp distinction between Indian and Pakistani military actions. “In history, India has never wanted war, war has always been imposed on us. But whenever we have fought a war, we have fought bravely. I salute the valour of the armed forces...Here too, our armed forces have targeted only terrorist hideouts; civilians and military establishments were not targeted. What did we get in return? Our citizens were killed...This is the difference between India and Pakistan...I urge the Prime Minister to call a special session to give a united message to the nation and salute the valour of the armed forces.”
Congress leader Pawan Khera added his voice to the demand for transparency. “It is unprecedented that we get to know this from the American President... Therefore, the questions that India wants to ask can only be answered through a special session of Parliament. Therefore, Congress demands a special session of Parliament and all-party meeting...country deserves to know what it has achieved and what India has lost...the victims of Pahalgam would also like to know whether justice has been served to them or not,” he said.
Also Read: IAF severely damaged 11 Pak airbases in May 8–10 military strikes — Nur Khan, Sargodha, Skardu among key targets
On terror, a united political front
Kerala’s V. Muraleedharan, former Minister of State for External Affairs and a BJP leader, stated: “Fortunately, the world understands what is happening and now they have decided not to create further provocations. It is in the interest of both countries and India has always been saying that Pakistan should stop promoting terrorism in all forms.”
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge made a direct appeal to stay on course. “We should continue our battle against terrorism. Terrorism does not understand ceasefire. So I think whatever preparations we are doing as a nation to combat terrorism should go ahead with full flow,” he said.
The ceasefire may have calmed the guns, but questions remain. Justice for victims, dismantling of terror networks, and transparency from the top are now at the heart of the national conversation.
The next DGMO-level military talks on 12 May are expected to build on the agreement. But political and public expectations remain firmly fixed on long-term security and accountability.
The DGMO-level call took place at 3:35 PM. Both sides agreed to halt all hostilities across land, air, and sea. A follow-up round of talks is set for 12 May.
From Pahalgam to Operation Sindoor
The ceasefire follows weeks of escalation. On 22 April, a terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives, triggering a swift and calculated Indian response. Operation Sindoor, launched on 7 May, saw Indian forces target nine identified terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri provided official details of the agreement. “Instructions have been given on both sides to implement this understanding,” he said. Misri also made it clear that, “Pakistan’s actions constituted provocation. India responded in a responsible and measured fashion.”
Also Read: “No shift in stance on terrorism,” says EAM S Jaishankar after India, Pakistan ceasefire starts at 5 PM
India’s position on terrorism remains firm
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance: “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah echoed the sentiment of continued caution. “If both India and Pakistan have agreed, that is good. However, we must remain cautious...Even if there is a ceasefire, we must stay focused on countering terrorism,” he said.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor viewed the ceasefire as necessary, though delayed. “Peace is essential...I am very glad. India never wanted a long-term war. India wanted war to teach terrorists a lesson, and that lesson has been taught,” he said.
Political leaders demand accountability and debate
Calls for accountability came swiftly. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate broader discussions. “There is now a need for the PM to chair an all-party meeting and take political parties into confidence,” he posted on X.
He added: “In view of the unprecedented announcements from Washington DC, there is now a need, more than ever before, for - 1. The PM to chair an all-party meeting and take political parties into confidence 2. A special session of Parliament to discuss the events of the last eighteen days, beginning with the brutal Pahalgam terror attacks and the way forward, and to demonstrate a collective resolve.”
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also welcomed the ceasefire but warned against complacency. “I welcome the ceasefire and congratulate both sides. Now we won't see the loss of lives of innocent people who have nothing to do with the war...They (Pakistan) must stop this and make sure that these terrorist camps are done away with and they don't become the hotbed of terrorism in this country and as long as that continues, this conflict will continue and a temporary ceasefire will never be permanent,” he said.
Also Read: India and Pakistan agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, next talks on May 12
Regional leaders stress relief, recovery and security
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the ceasefire as overdue. “If it had happened 2-3 days ago, the lives we lost would not have been lost,” he said.
He also pressed for urgent relief. “It is now the duty of J-K government to provide relief and compensation to those who have suffered during this period. We have announced compensation for the loss of precious lives. Now we will have to compensate those who have been injured as well,” he added.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann spoke about border readiness. “We have a good news that ceasefire has been announced, but Punjab will remain vigilant. We will install anti-drone systems on our international border,” he said in Chandigarh.
Voices from Parliament: Justice for victims, respect for forces
RJD MP Manoj Jha drew a sharp distinction between Indian and Pakistani military actions. “In history, India has never wanted war, war has always been imposed on us. But whenever we have fought a war, we have fought bravely. I salute the valour of the armed forces...Here too, our armed forces have targeted only terrorist hideouts; civilians and military establishments were not targeted. What did we get in return? Our citizens were killed...This is the difference between India and Pakistan...I urge the Prime Minister to call a special session to give a united message to the nation and salute the valour of the armed forces.”
Congress leader Pawan Khera added his voice to the demand for transparency. “It is unprecedented that we get to know this from the American President... Therefore, the questions that India wants to ask can only be answered through a special session of Parliament. Therefore, Congress demands a special session of Parliament and all-party meeting...country deserves to know what it has achieved and what India has lost...the victims of Pahalgam would also like to know whether justice has been served to them or not,” he said.
Also Read: IAF severely damaged 11 Pak airbases in May 8–10 military strikes — Nur Khan, Sargodha, Skardu among key targets
On terror, a united political front
Kerala’s V. Muraleedharan, former Minister of State for External Affairs and a BJP leader, stated: “Fortunately, the world understands what is happening and now they have decided not to create further provocations. It is in the interest of both countries and India has always been saying that Pakistan should stop promoting terrorism in all forms.”
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge made a direct appeal to stay on course. “We should continue our battle against terrorism. Terrorism does not understand ceasefire. So I think whatever preparations we are doing as a nation to combat terrorism should go ahead with full flow,” he said.
The ceasefire may have calmed the guns, but questions remain. Justice for victims, dismantling of terror networks, and transparency from the top are now at the heart of the national conversation.
The next DGMO-level military talks on 12 May are expected to build on the agreement. But political and public expectations remain firmly fixed on long-term security and accountability.
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