Contrary to reports of a ceasefire, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared a video showing air defense units firing in central Srinagar. Al Jazeera reports residents heard multiple explosions, causing widespread panic and power outages. This comes despite the earlier announcement of an immediate ceasefire brokered by the United States between India and Pakistan.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart at 3:35 PM IST. Both sides agreed to halt all forms of military actions—land, air, and sea—starting from 5 PM IST. The ceasefire will be enforced on both sides. Misri also noted that the two military leaders would hold follow-up talks on Monday, the 12th, at noon.

India launched coordinated missile strikes on three Pakistani Air Force bases: Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, Rafiqui in Sargodha, and Moraid in Chakwal. Pakistan claimed to have intercepted the attack on Nur Khan, which had just hosted Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. While some missiles penetrated Indian air defense, no major damage was reported. Pakistan closed its airspace nationwide until midday Saturday.

Pakistan launched drone and artillery strikes on 26 Indian military targets across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and other northwestern states. Indian military officials confirmed three injuries and several fatalities. Over 400 Turkish-made Songar drones were reportedly used. Targeted locations included Jammu, Samba, Pathankot, Srinagar, Amritsar, Barmer, and Bhuj, among others.

A series of explosions rocked Jammu on Friday night following a sudden blackout. Local residents reported witnessing red flares and blasts lighting up the night sky. Rasul Singh, a resident, told Al Jazeera that the power went out around 8 PM local time, and 15–30 minutes later, drone attacks began. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed ongoing blackouts and sirens throughout the city, later tweeting that heavy artillery fire could be heard from his location.

Panic and anxiety are spreading across Indian cities as fears mount over the escalating tensions with Pakistan. Many residents spent a sleepless night amid uncertainty and fear, as nuclear-armed neighbors exchange accusations of cross-border attacks. India claims to have shot down Pakistani drones, while confusion reigns online as rumors mix with facts, heightening public anxiety. From Delhi to Bengaluru, emergency preparedness drills are underway. Air raid sirens and blackout simulations are adding to the panic. People evacuated from border areas are struggling with sudden expenses for household essentials, unsure of when—or if—they will return home.

According to Reuters, citing U.S. officials, Pakistan used Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets to launch air-to-air missiles that downed at least two Indian aircraft. One of the jets was reportedly a French-made Rafale. India has yet to acknowledge any aircraft losses. Pakistan previously claimed it had destroyed five Indian warplanes, including three Rafales.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri declined to confirm or deny Pakistan’s claims of downing five Indian fighter jets and killing 50 Indian soldiers in recent cross-border clashes. When asked, Misri said the government would release official information at an appropriate time. He also refused to respond to claims made by Pakistani Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and commented only briefly on Pakistan’s reported loss of 100 lives, urging the media to wait as only 36 hours had passed since the airstrikes.

Multiple drone attacks have been reported in Jammu’s Akhnoor, Samba, and Kathua areas. Pakistani drones reportedly used loitering munitions—drones equipped with warheads that target specific locations. Indian air defense responded with counterfire. Witnesses near Jammu airport counted at least 16 fallen objects. Sirens blared as markets closed and the city plunged into a blackout.

Popular Hindi television actor Aly Goni revealed in a podcast that he faced discrimination while searching for a home due to his Muslim identity. “As a Kashmiri, I’ve never experienced bias in the entertainment industry, but I have when looking for a house,” he said. Goni shared that he and his partner Jasmine were denied rentals by several landlords who outright said, "We don't rent to Muslims." Most of these individuals were older, he added.

Following Pakistan’s claim of destroying a military headquarters and five advanced aircraft in response to Indian airstrikes, the Indian government has ordered the closure of at least 21 airports in the northern region until May 10. The affected airports are located in Jammu and Kashmir, Leh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. This precautionary measure, effective until 5:29 AM on May 10, has led to mass cancellation of domestic flights amid escalating tensions with Pakistan.

In an interview with The Wall, musician Kabir Suman voiced strong opposition to war, regardless of the reasons or actors involved. “I’ve always been anti-war. My songs have called for peace. True patriotism must include love for humanity,” he said, criticizing nationalism that excludes compassion for people and animals.

Amid an ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi to co-chair the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission meeting. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the visit, calling it a significant moment as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. The visit underscores strategic ties even during wartime tensions.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has officially stated that India exercised its right to retaliate through ‘Operation Sindoor.’ The objective of the operation was to prevent further attacks from across the border following the Pahalgam massacre and dismantle terrorist infrastructures. Misri emphasized that the response aligns with the UN Security Council's April 25 statement condemning the attack and demanding justice. Indian Army Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Air Force Wing Commander Byomika Singh said Indian forces targeted and destroyed nine terrorist camps across the Line of Control between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM on Tuesday night.

India’s top political figures expressed rare unity following the strikes. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar urged the world to take a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. Home Minister Amit Shah praised the military for “Operation Sindoor.” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted pride in the Indian Army, while TMC’s Mamata Banerjee and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi welcomed the offensive as a justified response to cross-border terrorism.