Drones, sirens & blackouts: What’s happening near the India-Pakistan border?

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Mumbai: Tensions along the India-Pakistan border have escalated sharply after Indian armed forces successfully intercepted a major drone and missile attack launched from across the border. In a chilling turn of events on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, Indian Army Air Defence Units neutralised at least 50 drones in border regions including Udhampur, Jammu, Akhnoor, and surrounding areas.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Pakistan attempted to target as many as 15 cities across Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, in a massive provocation using missiles and drone swarms. The targeted cities include Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai and Bhuj.

As panic gripped the border belt, air raid sirens wailed through the night and total blackouts were enforced in several cities as a precaution. Indian defence forces swiftly intercepted the incoming threats, avoiding large-scale casualties or damage.

Schools, Colleges Shut; States on High Alert

In light of the situation, authorities have taken urgent measures:

  • All schools, colleges, and universities in Jammu & Kashmir have been shut till Monday.
  • Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah visited Jammu Friday morning and stated, “A review will be held on Monday to decide further action on school closures.”
  • Leh district has also ordered closure of all educational institutions on May 9 and 10, as per Deputy Commissioner Santosh Sukhdeva.
  • In Patiala, educational institutions are closed until further notice. Residents have been urged to stay indoors and remain calm.

Blackouts and Warnings in Key Cities

  • Air sirens were heard across Chandigarh, Mohali, and Ambala, with local authorities advising residents to avoid balconies and glass windows.
  • Deputy Commissioners of Mohali (Komal Mittal), Pathankot (Aditya Uppal), and Chandigarh issued strict advisory messages for public safety.
  • Blackout protocols have been initiated in Rupnagar, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Bathinda, and Panchkula (Haryana).

Life Disrupted in Conflict Zones

  • Shops near Uri in Jammu and Kashmir were damaged. Many migrant labourers and civilians have begun moving to safer areas.
  • In Srinagar, normal life came to a halt with reduced traffic and deserted streets.

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