Amid rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border, authorities in Punjab and Chandigarh have implemented a complete blackout in several districts starting Thursday night, May 8, 2025. This precautionary measure follows alerts from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army in response to the recent military operations known as Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan.
The blackout affects major districts including Amritsar, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Chandigarh. Additionally, Mohali and the neighboring Panchkula district in Haryana have also been included in the blackout order. In Gurdaspur, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal announced that the blackout would be enforced from 9 PM to 5 AM, continuing until further notice, with exemptions for cantonment zones and military areas.
In Tarn Taran, Deputy Commissioner Rahul indicated that the blackouts would be enforced based on real-time alerts from the Army or Air Force. Aditya Uppal, the Deputy Commissioner of Pathankot, emphasized that the blackout from midnight on May 7-8 was a signal for residents to prepare for emergencies. Meanwhile, Hoshiarpur announced an indefinite blackout on Tuesday night, May 6, following IAF instructions. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain ordered that all external lights, including household and street lights, must remain off until further notice.
As the situation escalated, a mysterious cylindrical object marked “Test Port Seeker” fell into the courtyard of a house in Ghagwal village, Hoshiarpur, early Wednesday. The object, which had protruding wires and made a loud noise upon impact, was suspected to be a data recorder from an aircraft. Kulwinder Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, reported that forensic and anti-sabotage teams were called to examine the device.
In Jalandhar, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal appealed to residents to comply with the blackout regulations. In Amritsar, the blackout commenced around 9 PM, following the one initiated at midnight on Thursday. Sakshi Sahni, the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, has also imposed a ban on fireworks at weddings, festivals, and religious gatherings, effective until further notice, to maintain public order and prevent panic.
To further address public concerns, Sahni established a special task force to prevent hoarding and black marketing of essentials, including food items, fuel, fodder, and dairy products. "No one will be allowed to hoard essentials like grains, milk, petrol, diesel, or fodder. Violators will face strict action," Sahni stated, assuring the public that there is no shortage of supplies.
Schools in Tarn Taran will remain closed from May 8 to May 11, 2025, with similar closures in Chandigarh on Friday and Saturday, reflecting the administration's commitment to student safety amid the evolving situation.
The heightened security measures come on the heels of India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror infrastructure sites across Pakistan as retaliation for a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives. Reports indicate that Pakistan's Air Defence Units have suffered significant damage, with the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirming 24 impacts in six localities during the strikes.
In response to the situation, the Border Security Force (BSF) gunned down a Pakistani intruder attempting to cross into Indian territory in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector during the night of May 7-8. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nations, prompting Indian authorities to adopt a state of high alert across Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
State cabinet minister Aman Arora confirmed that all border districts have been placed on alert, with public gatherings, including official events, suspended as a preventive measure. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also canceled his scheduled anti-drug campaigns in SBS Nagar and Jalandhar, further reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
The Punjab Police have been mobilized as the “second line of defence,” coordinating closely with the Indian Army to ensure readiness for any emergencies that may arise. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, adhere to official advisories, and avoid spreading unverified information.
As the situation unfolds, many residents have expressed concerns about the blackouts becoming a regular occurrence. One resident from Sangrur remarked, "After hearing this, we can expect regular blackouts to become the norm.”
With the ongoing military operations and heightened security measures, the atmosphere in Punjab remains tense, as communities brace for potential escalations in the ongoing conflict. The public is encouraged to stay informed and vigilant as authorities navigate this precarious situation.
