As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting on Friday, May 9, 2025, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. This meeting comes on the heels of a fresh wave of attacks launched by Pakistan, which has led to significant unrest and fear among residents in border areas.
For the second consecutive day, enforced blackouts plunged regions including Jammu, Jaisalmer, and Firozpur into darkness, further heightening the sense of anxiety. Reports from residents in Jammu, Srinagar, and several other locations indicated that loud explosions were heard throughout the night. In Firozpur, a Pakistani drone strike injured three individuals, one of whom is currently in critical condition.
In the wake of these developments, the G7 countries issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that occurred on April 22, 2025. The statement, which included the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint. "Further military escalation seriously threatens regional stability. We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides. We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome," the statement read.
Pakistan's recent strikes followed India's launch of 'Operation Sindoor,' which targeted nine terror bases across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation marked one of India's most significant military responses to date, and explosions were reported in over six areas, including Samba, Poonch, and Jammu.
A resident from Barmer, Rajasthan, recounted hearing a loud noise at approximately 5:15 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2025, and observing drones in the sky. "When we came, we found this debris on the road..." he explained, referring to the remnants of the drone activity.
Tragically, the ongoing conflict claimed the life of Administrative Officer Raj Kumar Thappa, who was killed during Pakistani shelling. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences, stating, "Devastating news from Rajouri. We have lost a dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services. Just yesterday he was accompanying the Deputy CM around the district & attended the online meeting I chaired. Today the residence of the officer was hit by Pak shelling as they targeted Rajouri town killing our Additional District Development Commissioner Sh Raj Kumar Thappa. I’ve no words to express my shock & sadness at this terrible loss of life. May his soul rest in peace."
In response to the escalating violence, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar communicated with Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide to discuss India's measured response to the ongoing terrorism threat. "Spoke with FM @EspenBarthEide of Norway. Discussed India’s targeted and measured response to counter terrorism," Jaishankar tweeted.
Visuals from the region show significant damage to houses and properties in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, as a result of the relentless Pakistani shelling. Reports indicate that Pakistani posts and terrorist launch pads near Jammu have been destroyed by the Indian Army in retaliation for the attacks.
In a show of military preparedness, India targeted four airbases in Pakistan amid the rising tensions. Additionally, the five gates of Reasi's Salal Dam, built on the Chenab River, have been opened, signaling a potential escalation in military readiness.
Heavy engagement has been reported in the areas surrounding Srinagar, with surface-to-air missile systems activated in response to the ongoing threats. As the situation unfolds, multiple blasts were reported early Saturday morning in Srinagar, following thwarted drone attacks by Pakistan.
Continuous explosions have been reported in the Poonch area, with intermittent firing occurring along multiple locations of the Line of Control (LoC). In Pathankot, residents reported hearing loud explosions, further contributing to the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
Among the explosions reported, four were specifically noted in Srinagar, three of which occurred simultaneously. Local residents described the intensity of the blasts, with one individual, Surjeet Kaur from Jalandhar, recalling a terrifying experience. "A red coloured flash came above our house and there was a huge explosion. We got scared. Everything was dark. We came out of our houses after a short while and saw that the water tank above our houses and our neighbours' houses had exploded," she shared.
As the conflict intensifies, the Indian government has launched retaliatory strikes in response to Pakistan's attacks on 26 Indian locations on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing reports of violence and military engagement in the region.
In light of the heightened tensions, the Deputy Commissioner of Solan district has announced a blackout in the tehsil areas of Parwanoo, Baddi, and Nalagarh from 8 PM to 6 AM to ensure safety. Traders have been urged to close their shops, and industrialists have been requested not to schedule night shifts for their employees. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the blackout could be implemented in other areas depending on the situation.
As the day unfolds, an urgent media briefing has been scheduled for 10 AM on May 10, 2025, at South Block, which was initially set for 5:45 AM. More details are awaited as the situation continues to develop.
This ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan highlights the fragility of peace in the region, with both nations bracing for further escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.
