In a dramatic escalation of tensions along the India-Pakistan border, a Pakistani drone strike on Friday evening injured three people in Punjab’s Ferozepur district. The victims, members of a family, suffered burn injuries when the drone struck their home, leading to immediate hospitalization. Ferozepur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bhupinder Singh Sidhu confirmed, "We received information about three people being injured. They have burn injuries, and doctors are attending to them." The attack occurred amidst a backdrop of heightened military activity, with reports of multiple drones spotted over various regions in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
The drone strike came just a day after India successfully intercepted multiple Pakistani missiles, which were launched into Indian airspace, marking a significant spike in hostilities between the two nations. On May 8, India’s air defense systems thwarted an attempt by Pakistan to target military installations, preventing potential damage and casualties.
On Friday night, explosions were reported in both Ferozepur and Pathankot around 8:30 PM, as Indian forces engaged with the incoming drones. Residents in the area described the situation as chaotic, with sirens blaring and the sounds of explosions echoing through the night. In response to the escalating threat, authorities imposed a precautionary blackout in several districts, including Ferozepur, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot, urging citizens to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, during a press briefing, revealed that Pakistan had deployed between 300 to 400 drones across 36 locations during the night of May 7 and 8. These drones, primarily Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models, were reported to be aimed at both civilian and military targets. "The Indian armed forces shot down many of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means," she stated, highlighting the effectiveness of India’s defense mechanisms.
As the situation unfolded, Ferozepur SSP Sidhu noted that most of the drones entering Indian airspace had been neutralized by the Indian Army. However, the attack on the residential area in Ferozepur raised concerns about the safety of civilians in border regions. Reports indicate that the drone which struck the family’s home fell in a ball of fire, leading to significant injuries, particularly to the woman who was cooking at the time.
In a broader context, Punjab, which shares a 553-kilometer border with Pakistan, is currently on high alert. The Punjab Police have canceled all leaves for personnel, and the State Health Department has been placed on 24/7 alert to manage any medical emergencies that may arise from the ongoing conflict. Schools, colleges, and universities across the state have been closed, and examinations postponed to ensure the safety of students.
The Indian government has also taken additional measures to bolster security in the region. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann convened an emergency Cabinet meeting on Friday, directing ten ministers to visit border districts to reassure the public and coordinate local responses. Mann emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the face of these threats.
As part of the precautionary measures, the Airport Authority of India extended the suspension of all flight operations at Sri Guru Ramdas International Airport in Amritsar until May 15. The Chandigarh administration also directed the closure of all non-essential shops starting at 7 PM, with only pharmacies allowed to remain open.
In neighboring Haryana, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomer ordered a complete blackout from 8 PM to 6 AM, banning outdoor lighting to mitigate the risk of aerial attacks. Residents were advised to keep indoor lights covered and avoid unnecessary travel during these hours.
Local authorities are also urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. An advisory issued by the Bilaspur District Magistrate emphasized the need for strict compliance with blackout protocols to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, educational institutions in Una district were closed as a precautionary measure.
The drone incursions by Pakistan are part of a larger pattern of aggression that has escalated since a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
This situation remains fluid, with military and civilian authorities closely monitoring developments. As drone sightings continue across multiple sectors, including Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot, the potential for further escalation looms large. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay alert and prepared for any emergency measures that may be required.
As the conflict unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions that have plagued the region for decades. The situation in Punjab serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of Indo-Pak relations and the ongoing threat posed by cross-border terrorism.
