Blackout Enforced In Chandigarh And Mohali After Pakistan's Missile, Drone Attacks; Residents Told To Stay Ind

Sirens were sounded in Chandigarh and nearby Mohali on Thursday evening amid increased cross-border tensions after Pakistan launched missile and drone strikes in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and heavy shelling in Pathankot, Punjab. This prompted an immediate blackout and emergency measures throughout the region.

As a precaution, authorities have mandated that all stores and establishments in both cities close. It has been ordered that residents stay within and not go outside without permission. Given the worsening circumstances, the purpose of enforcing a blackout is to protect civilian areas and reduce visibility for possible aircraft attacks.

The Chandigarh District Collector released a statement urging people to adhere to safety advice to the letter. "All residents are asked to respond promptly to the siren's sound and turn off all lights in consideration of the current emergency situation. Additionally, they are cautioned against going outside or onto rooftops," the official statement said.

Similar actions were taken in Mohali, where the citywide blackout was confirmed by the local authorities. The action is a component of larger civil defence procedures that were triggered in reaction to heightened border-crossing hostilities.

The security alert follows a series of coordinated attacks by Pakistan, which included drone and missile strikes targeting areas in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as shelling in the border district of Pathankot. Indian forces have been responding proportionately, with the Defence Ministry confirming that key Pakistani military assets were targeted and neutralised in a retaliatory strike under Operation Sindoor.

Local police and emergency services remain on high alert, and civil defence teams have been deployed to assist in maintaining public safety. Authorities have advised citizens to stay informed through official communication channels and to avoid spreading unverified information or panic on social media platforms.

With the situation evolving rapidly, residents in the affected areas are being urged to remain vigilant, follow instructions from authorities, and prioritize safety as India continues to deal with the external security threat.