Blasts rang out across Indian Kashmir and the Sikh holy city of Amritsar in neighbouring Punjab state late on Friday, with the Indian military saying it was shooting down drones in the worst fighting with Pakistan in nearly three decades.

Earlier, at 4:39 am, the District Collector had also advised residents to keep lights off and avoid going near windows, roads, balconies, or terraces.

Both India and Pakistan confirmed news of the ceasefire following US mediation after days of cross-border strikes. It was the most serious increase in hostilities so far in a conflict triggered by a gun massacre in Kashmir.