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New Delhi: Moments after both India and Pakistan declared that they agreed to stop all hostilities against each other, a number of politicians on both sides responded to the sudden ceasefire announcement.

Most of the Indian political class who chose to comment on the development responded with caution, seeking more information on the “understanding” between both sides or remarking on the “American” intervention, especially after US Vice President J.D. Vance came on record to say that although he would like the two countries to de-escalate, it was none of the US’s business to intervene actively to diffuse their tensions.

Most across the political spectrum, however, agreed that India was only responding to Pakistani aggression.

Their Pakistani counterparts, on the other hand, were more vocal and celebratory after the ceasefire was announced, and held the announcement as a symbol of victory after last night’s developments.

Here too, they all seemed to agree that their armed forces were only responding to Indian aggression and the sudden attacks on their military bases, despite the fact that the Pakistani government has denied any involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Congress leader and the party’s chief spokesperson Jairam Ramesh called for a special session of parliament and an all party-meeting.

“In view of the unprecedented announcements from Washington DC, there is now a need, more than ever before, for – 1. The PM to chair an all-party meeting and take political parties into confidence. 2. A special session of Parliament to discuss the events of the last eighteen days, beginning with the brutal Pahalgam terror attacks and the way forward, and to demonstrate a collective resolve,” he said.

A large section of opposition leaders who attended the two all-party meetings had registered their complaint about the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on both occasions.

Congress MP and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor welcomed the development. “I think peace is essential, we need to have more details, but I am very glad. India never wanted a long-term war, but India wanted to teach terrorists a lesson, I believe that lesson has been taught,” he told ANI.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, “I welcome from the depths of my heart the announcement made by Government of India spokesperson about restoration of understanding between India and Pakistan,” Abdullah told reporters at his residence.

“Better late than never but had this understanding come two or three days earlier, perhaps the bloodshed we saw and the precious lives we lost, would have been safe,” he said.

He further said that now it was time for his Union territory administration to “provide relief and compensation to those who have suffered during this period.”

“We have announced compensation for the loss of precious lives. Now we will have to compensate those who have been injured as well. Now we also hope that we can resume the Hajj flights as we were not able to send the pilgrims to Hajj due to the closure of the airport,” he said,........

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