Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically in recent days, leading to a state of high alert in numerous cities along the border and beyond. The situation has prompted emergency measures, including blackouts, school closures, and travel disruptions, as both nations brace for potential conflict.

The current crisis was ignited by a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians. India has blamed Pakistan for harboring the group responsible for the attack and launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 6, targeting alleged terrorist camps within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan has denied these claims, asserting that it has only engaged in defensive actions.

In response to India's actions, Pakistan has reportedly launched drone and missile attacks targeting various locations along the western border. While the Indian armed forces claim to have intercepted these attacks, the situation has led to heightened security measures and widespread disruption.

Cities on High Alert and Blackout Measures

Several cities in India, particularly those near the border with Pakistan, are on high alert. These include:

• Punjab Cities: Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Rupnagar, Fazilka, Sangrur, and Bathinda. Blackouts have been enforced in many of these districts as a precautionary measure.
• Jammu and Kashmir Cities: Srinagar, Jammu, Udhampur, Akhnoor, Awantipura, Baramulla and Kupwara. Sirens and explosions have been reported in several areas, with blackouts implemented.
• Haryana Cities: Panchkula and Ambala. An air warning was received in Ambala, triggering sirens.
• Rajasthan Cities: Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur. Blackouts have been imposed in these districts.
• Chandigarh: Air raid sirens were sounded, and heightened patrolling has been implemented.

The blackouts are intended to minimize potential targets during aerial attacks. Residents have been asked to stay indoors and follow blackout protocols.

Disruptions and Emergency Measures

The escalating tensions have resulted in significant disruptions to daily life:

• School Closures: Schools, colleges, and universities have been closed in Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• Flight Cancellations and Airport Closures: At least 27 airports, including those in Amritsar, Srinagar, Jammu, and Chandigarh, have been shut to civilian flights. Airlines have cancelled numerous flights and issued travel advisories.
• Increased Security: Security has been tightened in Delhi and other major cities. Leaves for government employees, including police and health personnel, have been cancelled in several states.
• Suspension of IPL: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been suspended indefinitely due to the escalating military tensions.
• Heightened Border Security: Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified patrolling along the International Border and Line of Control.

Accusations and Counter-Accusations

Both India and Pakistan have accused each other of targeting civilian areas and religious sites. India has alleged that Pakistani shelling resulted in casualties at a school in Poonch. Pakistan has claimed that Indian strikes have hit civilian areas, including mosques. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said, “Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite it launching a failed unprovoked drone and missile attack on May 7 at 08:30 p.m. Pakistan is using civil airliners as a shield, knowing fully well that its attack is unsafe for unsuspecting civil airliners, including international flights that fly near IB between India and Pakistan."

International Response

The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions and has urged both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. However, as of now, there have been no major breakthroughs in de-escalating the situation.