India Pakistan peace deal on the brink as explosions heard hours after ceasefire

The between and is at risk of completely collapsing after a series of explosions were heard just hours after the agreement was announced. There have been reports of heavy artillery shelling and several drone incursions in may parts of Indian Kashmir. Blasts were been heard in Srinagar and Jammu, while air defence units have reportedly been activated in the former after artillery was reported. Residents say the loud explosions were followed by a blackout.

Omar Abdullah, the region's rop official, said in a post on social media: "What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!" In another post, he added: "This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up." The Associated Press reports that cross-border shelling and gunfire have been reported from at least five places along the Line of Control, which is the de facto frontier that divides disputed Kashmir between the two countries.

Videos posted online show what appear to be projectiles in the night sky.

Asian News International reports that the Indian foreign minister Vikram Misri said: "An understanding was reached this evening between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan to stop the military action that was going on for the last few days. For the last few hours, this understanding is being violated by Pakistan.

"The Indian Army is retaliating and dealing with this border intrusion. This intrusion is extremely condemnable and Pakistan is responsible for it.

"We believe that Pakistan should understand this situation properly and take appropriate action immediately to stop this intrusion."

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a national address that if "someone challenges its independence, we will do anything for our defence".

He added that there needs to be an investigation, and there are "baseless accusations" being levelled against his country.

It comes after US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform earlier today that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.

He said: "Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Mr Misri said of the agreement: "It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, and in the air and sea.

"Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding."

Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar also announced the truce, adding that Saudi Arabia and Turkey played an important role in facilitating it.

It comes after weeks of clashes, including missile and drone strikes, resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians.

The violence was triggered by the massacre of tourists by gunmen last month in Kashmir.

India blamed the killings on Pakistan, which claims it is not responsible.