Chandigarh – Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, several districts in Punjab, including key border areas like Amritsar, Pathankot, and Ferozepur, experienced a complete blackout on Thursday night. The precautionary measure was taken as India thwarted fresh attempts by Pakistan to strike military sites using drones and missiles.
The blackout extended to other districts such as Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur, as well as Chandigarh, the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, where power was cut for two hours until midnight.
Pakistan’s Attempts and India’s Response
The blackout followed Pakistan’s attempts to target military installations in 15 cities across northern and western India, including Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. These actions came in retaliation to India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
The Indian Armed Forces successfully intercepted and neutralized Pakistan’s attempts, ensuring no significant damage was caused.
Blackout Protocols and Public Reaction
In Pathankot, air raid warning sirens were activated, and locals reported hearing explosion-like sounds, though no official confirmation was provided. Authorities in several districts urged residents to switch off lights and stay indoors, emphasizing that there was no need to panic.
Deputy Commissioner Aditya Uppal of Pathankot reassured citizens, asking them to follow blackout protocols for their safety. Similar measures were enforced in Rupnagar, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Bathinda, and Patiala.
Despite the anxiety, many residents expressed confidence in the Indian Armed Forces. In Chandigarh, Baldev Chand, an elderly resident, said, “There were some anxious moments, but there is nothing to worry about given the way our forces are handling the situation.”
Closure of Educational Institutions
In light of the escalating tensions, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions for the next three days. Schools in Chandigarh have also been shut until Saturday as a precautionary measure.
Calm Returns
By Friday morning, calm prevailed in the affected areas, with residents resuming their daily routines. However, the situation remains tense as both nations stay on high alert.
