New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level security meeting at his residence on Sunday with the Chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were also in attendance.
The meeting comes a day after India and Pakistan announced a mutual ceasefire agreement, bringing a temporary halt to escalating tensions along the border. The Ministry of Defence was scheduled to hold a crucial media briefing at 11 am today to address the prevailing security situation following a fresh round of tension between India and Pakistan. The briefing has been reportedly shifted to a later time and will be held after PM Modi's key meeting with top officials ends.
Congress Demands All-Party Meet Chaired By PM Modi
While the ceasefire has brought relief to border areas like Uri and Poonch, the political discourse surrounding it has intensified. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the nature and origin of the ceasefire understanding, calling for greater transparency from the government. In a post on X, he demanded an all-party meeting chaired by the Prime Minister and a special Parliament session to discuss Operation Sindoor, developments in Pahalgam, and the ceasefire, which he noted was first announced in Washington DC.
Ramesh further expressed concern over comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who mentioned a possible "neutral site" for India-Pakistan dialogue. "Have we abandoned the Simla Agreement? Have we opened the doors to third-party mediation?" he asked, pointing to the sensitive issue of bilateralism that has long governed India-Pakistan diplomatic engagement. He also cited remarks by two former Army Chiefs calling for a response from the Prime Minister, and invoked former PM Indira Gandhi’s decisive leadership during the 1971 war as a benchmark.
Normalcy Prevails In Key Border Areas
On the ground, however, the ceasefire brought immediate respite to affected civilians. In Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector, displaced families who had fled their homes due to frequent shelling have started to return. Local markets have resumed business, and a cautious optimism is evident among residents who hope this truce will translate into long-term peace.
Security officials confirmed that no hostile movement, firing, or drone activity was reported overnight across sensitive stretches of the Line of Control (LoC) or the International Border (IB). Morning visuals from Ferozepur, Pathankot, Poonch, Akhnoor, Rajouri and Uri showed calm and stability.
Red Alert In Punjab
While Punjab continues to maintain a red alert in border districts as a precaution, authorities have enhanced patrolling and surveillance. Coordination between local administration and security forces remains tight to ensure vigilance even as hopes rise for peace following the ceasefire.
