Blackout Measures Reimposed in Punjab Districts Following Ceasefire Violations by Pakistan

Punjab reinstated blackout measures in several districts as a precaution after initially lifting them. This decision followed Pakistan's breach of a bilateral agreement to cease all military actions. The blackout affected districts like Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga, Kapurthala, and Muktsar. Earlier, both nations had agreed to halt hostilities after intense cross-border exchanges.

Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahwney stated, "Since there are reports of ceasefire violation, we will remain on alert today. We will observe a blackout if and when needed. I advise all kindly be prepared for enforcement of blackout if the need arises and be at home. Please do not indulge in bursting of firecrackers. We have done this drill several times, so please do not panic. This is by way of abundant caution."

Blackout Measures and Public Advisories

The Hoshiarpur administration initiated a blackout at 8:50 pm, accompanied by an air raid siren. Residents were urged to turn off lights as a safety measure. Similarly, Ferozepur enforced a blackout starting at 8:40 pm, advising citizens not to panic. This blackout lasted until 10:30 pm. In Fazilka, the blackout began at 9:30 pm, while Rupnagar experienced it from 9:30 pm to 5:30 am.

Ludhiana authorities requested residents to stay indoors and voluntarily participate in the blackout as a precautionary measure. The deputy commissioner emphasized that while there was no major concern, cooperation was essential for safety. Sangrur also announced a blackout from 9:10 pm to 11 pm.

Ceasefire Agreement and Violations

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri urged Pakistan to address ceasefire violations responsibly. He stated that the armed forces were instructed to respond firmly to any further breaches along the International Border and Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Misri highlighted repeated violations despite an earlier agreement between India and Pakistan's military leaders.

The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) from both countries had agreed to cease all military actions from 5 pm on Saturday. This truce followed escalating tensions with both militaries targeting each other's facilities earlier that day.

Impact on Local Communities

Following the ceasefire announcement, markets reopened in places like Pathankot and Kapurthala. However, debris from unidentified projectiles was discovered in Beas in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Pathankot, and Dubli village in Tarn Taran districts. In Gurdaspur's Rajubela Chhichhran village, a large crater formed after a loud blast early Saturday morning.

A police official confirmed no injuries occurred but noted damage to electrical wires. Curious villagers gathered at the site to take photos of the crater. In Phagwara district, an unidentified object fell between Khalyan and Sahni villages around 2:40 am, creating another crater.

Safety Precautions and Public Alerts

Authorities advised people not to touch any unidentified projectiles and report them to local police. Pathankot went into alert mode after hearing explosion-like sounds early morning; local authorities closed markets as a precaution.

Residents in Pathankot and Jalandhar woke up to similar sounds while air sirens blared in Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, and Ferozepur amid rising military tensions between India and Pakistan.

Incidents Across Regions

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan. Besides Pathankot and Jalandhar, Sirsa in Haryana also reported blast-like sounds after midnight. A police official mentioned debris from an unidentified metallic object landing in fields shortly past midnight without causing injuries.

A villager recounted waking up to a loud sound and discovering metallic debris in fields by morning; defence personnel later collected it. In Jalandhar's Kanganiwal village, an unidentified projectile landed in a residential area injuring a migrant labourer and damaging nearby houses.

With inputs from PTI