In a dramatic escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, blackout measures were reimposed in several districts of Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat on Saturday night, May 10, 2025, following fresh concerns of ceasefire violations and drone sightings. This decision came just hours after the Indian government announced a ceasefire agreement between the two nations, which had been embroiled in conflict for weeks.
According to officials cited by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the blackout orders were reinstated in Punjab districts including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga, and Muktsar. The sudden reimposition of these measures was a response to alarming reports of ceasefire violations and drone activity in the region.
Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, Sakshi Sawhney, emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “Since there are reports of ceasefire violation, we will remain on alert today. We will observe blackout if and when needed. I advise all to kindly be prepared for enforcement of blackout if the need arises and be at home.” This precautionary measure was echoed by district authorities across Punjab, who urged residents to cooperate and remain indoors.
In Hoshiarpur, the blackout began at 8:50 PM, accompanied by an air raid siren, while Ferozepur officials imposed their blackout at 8:40 PM. Fazilka followed suit, enforcing a blackout from 9:30 PM, and Sangrur implemented a blackout from 9:10 PM to 11 PM. Similar measures were also enforced in Haryana's Ambala and the joint capital of Chandigarh.
Meanwhile, in Gujarat, a complete blackout was enforced in Bhuj, Kachchh district, following reports of multiple drone sightings. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed on social media, “Several drones have been spotted in the Kutch district. A complete blackout will be implemented now. Please stay safe, don’t panic.” Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to remain indoors and cooperate with safety protocols.
The reimposition of blackout measures came just after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced a ceasefire agreement in Delhi, stating that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan had agreed to halt all firing and military action on land, air, and sea from 5 PM on Saturday. However, this ceasefire was declared only hours after both nations reportedly attacked each other’s military facilities, escalating tensions significantly.
On Friday night, the Gujarat government had already cancelled the leaves of all government employees and directed them to report for duty immediately. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the state's preparedness in the border districts, highlighting the need for heightened security and readiness in the face of escalating hostilities.
During a video conference with district officials, Patel instructed them to ensure the availability of essential items and to prepare village evacuation plans. “Instructions have also been issued to heads of the respective departments or offices to ensure that officers and employees currently on leave report to duty with immediate effect,” he stated.
The situation intensified as Pakistani drones targeted infrastructure in Rajasthan and Gujarat, prompting authorities to issue advisories and restrict public gatherings and movement in parts of these regions. In Barmer, Rajasthan, drones attempted to strike critical infrastructure, including oil fields and military bases. The drones were successfully intercepted and destroyed mid-air, but the attempts heightened fears of a full-blown conflict.
District collector Tina Dabi issued an alert in Barmer, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid public gatherings. A red alert was previously sounded, and a blackout was enforced from Friday night, with residents instructed to comply with strict safety measures.
In Gujarat's Kutch district, the situation remained tense, with multiple drone sightings reported. The Indian Army successfully brought down several drones using air defense systems, and authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and comply with civil defense protocols.
The escalation in military actions follows a series of deadly attacks, including a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 individuals. Following this, the conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors has reached unprecedented levels, with both sides exchanging missile fire.
On Thursday, May 9, 2025, Pakistan targeted 36 locations inside India using armed drones, prompting Indian forces to retaliate. The situation has been described as one of the worst face-offs between India and Pakistan in decades, raising international concerns about stability in the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Indian government has emphasized the need for security upgrades at technical and scientific installations located in border areas. Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that security measures would be bolstered at key installations across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Chandigarh, and parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
In this volatile environment, the Chief Minister of Gujarat has called for comprehensive evacuation plans for residents in border areas, ensuring that essential items remain available for those affected by the conflict. Health Minister Rushikesh Patel has also convened meetings to ensure that hospitals are prepared for any emergencies.
With both nations on high alert and military operations ongoing, the citizens in these border states are left navigating a tense and uncertain situation. As authorities continue to monitor developments, the hope for a lasting peace remains fragile amidst the backdrop of military escalation.
