City welcomes announcement of ceasefire between India, Pakistan

A large section of society expressed happiness over the announcement of ceasefire between the two neighbouring countries, India and Pakistan. Social and political activists lauded US President Donald Trump for playing a mature role in bringing peace to South Asia.

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Reacting to the development, Yogesh Kamra, general secretary, Amritsar Vikas Manch, said, “Wars are easy to ignite but incredibly difficult to extinguish. The recent five days of military escalation between India and Pakistan is a stark reminder of the immense toll such conflicts take, not just on nations, but on ordinary lives, economies and regional stability. While national security remains paramount, it is equally vital to recognise that terrorism in any form is unacceptable, and global powers must act in unison to root out any such threat. At the same time, these tense days should not pass without reflection. They must be treated as a crucial lesson in civil defence, public preparedness and community engagement. From emergency response protocols to public awareness and shelter systems, this period has highlighted the need for stronger resilience at every level of society. Preparedness isn’t just a military strategy, it’s a societal imperative.”

Principal Kulwant Singh Ankhi, an academician, said, “Brakes had been applied to the wheels of development, causing problems. It is a matter of immense joy that leaders of both the developing countries have shown maturity in imposing a ceasefire. The common man, who was being thrust back to a lockdown-like situation, is satisfied with the intelligent decision of the governments of both India and Pakistan.”

Engineer Pawan Kumar Sharma said, “India always steps forward for maintenance of international peace and security. It may set forth principles for a peaceful settlement. My wishful thinking was to end it as soon as possible. From now on, both India and Pakistan have agreed to ceasefire with immediate effect, which helped prevent major outbreak of hostilities, reduce tension and create conditions for sustainable peace after settlements. Hopefully both the countries may decide on enforcement measures, economic sanctions (such as trade embargoes) or collective military action against terrorism.”

Sheenu Arora, from the Voice of Amritsar, said, “On behalf of all those who cherish peace, VOA extends heartfelt congratulations to the governments of India and Pakistan for their wise and courageous decision to agree to an immediate ceasefire on May 10, 2025. May this ceasefire pave the way for sustained peace, mutual respect and prosperous relations, benefiting the people of both nations and the broader South Asian region.”

Meanwhile, in a press statement, office-bearers of Amritsar Vikas Manch stated that a request should now be made to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to normalise the situation at airports, especially the Shri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) must initiate formalities to resume domestic as well as international flights from Amritsar airport. The blackout decision must be withdrawn with immediate effect so that normal routine is established. Schools, colleges and universities should be opened so that educational institutions resume their work.