Indo-Pak Tension: Locals Endure Fear and Blackouts Amid Sirens on Western Border

Residents along India's western border experienced a second consecutive night of tension as air raid sirens blared on Friday. The alerts followed sightings of aerial threats from Pakistan, which were engaged by the armed forces. From Srinagar and Jammu to districts in Punjab, Rajasthan, and parts of Gujarat, people were urged to turn off lights as a precautionary measure.

Blasts echoed across Jammu, south Kashmir, Pathankot, Ferozepur, and Jaisalmer. In Punjab's Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran's Patti area, explosions were reported but lacked official confirmation. Air raid sirens sounded in Ferozepur, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Hoshiarpur districts, causing panic among residents.

Blackouts and Public Announcements

Officials enforced blackouts in several areas including Ferozepur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Fazilka, Muktsar, and Sangrur. In Hoshiarpur, Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain urged residents to stay indoors and remain calm. "Keep lights switched off. Keep the lights of mobile phones, cameras and inverter sets switched off. Cover windows with curtains. Cooperate with the district administration. We are here for your safety," an official announcement stated.

In Srinagar, mosque loudspeakers instructed locals to turn off their lights. Explosions were heard near the Awantipora air base in south Kashmir. Drones were spotted following India's thwarting of Pakistani military attempts to attack Indian installations using drones and missiles.

Aerial Threats and Security Measures

In Jaisalmer, multiple aerial threats from Pakistan were intercepted for a second night. This prompted security forces to issue a red alert and enforce blackouts in several border districts. Sirens rang out in Pokaran as a complete blackout was imposed there.

The blackout scheduled for midnight in Jodhpur was implemented immediately. Barmer, Sriganganagar, and Phalodi also went dark. In Gujarat's Kutch district, a blackout was imposed while power was cut in parts of Banaskantha and Patan districts.

Community Response and Safety Precautions

Residents faced a tense morning with air raid sirens wailing. Schools remained closed along with most businesses. Despite anxiety, locals expressed confidence in India's armed forces for swiftly countering Pakistan's attempts.

Pathankot resident Jarnail Singh praised the government for foiling Pakistan's attempt to hit border areas on Thursday night. Pawan Kumar from Amritsar noted that while the night was anxious, normalcy returned during the day.

In Bathinda, gunshots continued until midnight amid a complete blackout. "We spent the night in fear," said a local resident. Prayers for peace were held in gurdwaras in Mohali and Rupnagar.

Official Advisories and Community Reactions

An official statement advised people to stay indoors following an air warning from the Air Force station about a possible attack: "Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and stay away from balconies." An hour later, the alert was lifted.

Sirens briefly sounded in Haryana's Panchkula and Ambala urging people to stay indoors. Patiala's district administration issued an advisory for calmness among residents.

The renewed attempts by Pakistani forces followed India's missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. These strikes were in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

With inputs from PTI