Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, prompting heightened security measures and public advisories in border regions. On Friday, air raid sirens were sounded in Chandigarh following a warning from the Air Force station about a possible aerial attack.
The Chandigarh administration issued an advisory urging people to remain indoors and away from balconies. "An air warning has been received from the Air Force Station of a possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and away from balconies," stated an official release. Mohali district administration also advised residents in areas bordering Chandigarh to stay inside.
The sounding of air raid sirens follows a night of reported drone and munition attacks by Pakistan along the western border, which the Indian Army stated were "effectively repulsed". Ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir have also been reported. A blackout was observed in several districts of Punjab, including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Rupnagar, Fazilka, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, as well as in Chandigarh on Thursday night.
Educational institutions across Punjab will remain closed for the next three days. The Jammu and Kashmir government has also ordered the closure of all educational institutions for the next two days in the Union Territory and has appointed senior officers in charge of border districts to improve communication.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing the need for immediate de-escalation. Jaishankar stated that he appreciates the US commitment to working with India in the fight against terrorism and underlined India's targeted response to cross-border terrorism. He affirmed that India will firmly counter any attempts at escalation.
Amid the rising tensions, security measures at airports have been strengthened. Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory stating that flight operations are normal but schedules may be impacted due to security measures. Passengers were advised to rely only on official sources.
Reports indicate that heavy artillery shelling occurred along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday night, particularly in the Rajouri district and Poonch. This marks the 14th consecutive night of ceasefire violations at the India-Pakistan border, following India's launch of Operation Sindoor to target terrorist camps.
One woman was killed, and four civilians were injured due to shelling by Pakistan in Kashmir. The woman was killed when the vehicle she was traveling in was hit by a shell fired by Pakistan.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further information from defense and civil agencies is awaited.
