Mixed reactions in Jodhpur and Phalodi over India-Pak truce

Jodhpur: The announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan on Saturday evening has drawn varied responses from residents in the border districts of Jodhpur and Phalodi, areas that had been under movement restrictions and nighttime blackouts since Thursday.

The news came as a surprise to many locals, who had just experienced a four-hour lockdown following an air strike alert earlier that morning. Residents, displaying evident skepticism, sought to verify the information through multiple channels, including social media, news outlets and personal contacts.

While some welcomed the ceasefire as a necessary step towards peace, others expressed deep distrust towards Pakistan, fearing the potential for future conflicts. "Wars favour no one, especially children, whether on this side of the border or that," said content creator Moinuddin Chishti, who welcomed the ceasefire while emphasising the need for lasting peace between the two nations.

However, some residents expressed disappointment, believing the conflict should have reached a more definitive conclusion. Bhupender Malviya, a digital design artist, voiced concerns about Pakistan's trustworthiness, stating, "If we back down now, our fate will be ruined."

Surendra Rakhecha, an MNC executive, supported the ceasefire but called for decisive talks on crucial issues, including PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), dismantling of terror camps and the extradition of terrorist leaders to India.

The ceasefire follows India's "Operation Sindoor," which was launched in response to the Pahlagam terror attack. Retired govt employee Lal Chand expressed confidence that India would continue its focused approach against terror activities, describing the operation as "measured and non-escalatory."

As markets slowly reopened following the morning's lockdown, discussions continued among residents about the implications of this latest development in India-Pakistan relations, with many maintaining a cautious outlook toward future peace prospects.

The ceasefire marks a significant de-escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations, though underlying concerns about cross-border terrorism remain a critical issue for many border residents.