Authorities in Chandigarh issued an urgent air raid alert on Friday, May 9, 2025, warning residents of a possible aerial attack amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The alert, which included sirens sounding across the city, prompted officials to urge citizens to stay indoors and avoid standing near windows or open areas.
The warning was communicated by Nishant Kumar Yadav, the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh, who stated, "An air warning has been received from Air Force station of possible drone attack." The alert was part of a broader response to escalating military tensions following a series of drone and missile attacks from Pakistan targeting Indian military installations.
As part of the precautionary measures, the Chandigarh administration advised residents to keep their lights off, draw curtains, and remain vigilant. This directive was echoed by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Chandigarh, who reiterated the importance of staying indoors.
In the wake of the alert, operations at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport were completely halted, with the Indian Air Force taking control of all activities at the airport. Ajay Kumar, CEO of Chandigarh International Airport Ltd (CHIAL), confirmed that all flights had been suspended due to changing airspace conditions. Passengers were advised to contact their respective airlines for assistance with rescheduling or refunds.
The escalation of tensions can be traced back to May 7, when India launched Operation Sindoor, striking terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for a deadly attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. This operation was reportedly in response to Pakistani drone and missile attempts to hit various military facilities across India, targeting locations from Srinagar to Bhuj.
In a related development, a widespread blackout was enforced across several districts of Punjab, Chandigarh, and parts of Haryana on the night of May 8, 2025. Authorities ordered residents to turn off their lights and stay indoors as a precaution against potential air strikes. Blackout orders were issued in Amritsar, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and Faridkot districts.
Mock drills were conducted in Kapurthala and Phagwara, with hospitals in border areas instructed to ensure continuous power supply and maintain sufficient reserves of water and fuel. Key facilities such as hospitals and jails were exempt from the blackout but were instructed to keep their windows closed.
On the same night, explosions were reported in Bathinda following sightings of fireballs in the sky. Residents reported hearing three to four explosions in quick succession, leading to heightened concern and an immediate enforcement of the blackout. Bathinda’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Amneet Kondal, confirmed one explosion near the National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) and stated that the armed forces were investigating the incidents.
In addition to Bathinda, drone attacks were reported and neutralized in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar that night. Jalandhar's Deputy Commissioner, Himanshu Aggarwal, assured the public that most drones had been neutralized and that civilians were not targeted during these operations.
Earlier that same night, residents of Amritsar experienced panic due to a series of loud explosions and the sight of fireballs streaking across the sky. Reports later emerged of missile debris scattered across several villages, prompting local authorities to dispatch Army teams to recover the wreckage.
As the situation continues to develop, officials have announced plans to increase air raid warning systems in the region from 20 to 50. This expansion is part of ongoing efforts to enhance civil defense capabilities, with 300 civilians and 600 NSS volunteers already trained in civil defense measures.
In summary, the situation in Chandigarh and surrounding areas remains tense, with authorities taking extensive measures to ensure public safety amid the threat of aerial attacks. The heightened military activity and the resultant alerts reflect the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, raising concerns among residents and prompting a swift response from local administrations.
