Panic gripped residents in Jammu city on Thursday, May 8, 2025, as explosive sounds echoed through the air, accompanied by flashes of light that illuminated the night sky. Witnesses reported a surreal scene, with many describing a red sky, loud explosions, and the eerie sensation of drones hovering overhead. The chaos ensued shortly after Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor, a targeted strike against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The sudden flashes and sounds led to widespread fear, resulting in a blackout that lasted nearly half an hour across the city. Deepika Pushkar Nath, a local lawyer and resident of Trikuta Nagar, recounted her experience, saying, “I was sitting in the garden at home when my daughter said, ‘dekho taara toota’ (shooting star), and I could see multiple flares and hear loud explosions. The sky lit up, and then immediately there was a blackout across the city.”
Another resident, Munaza from Sunjwan, described the scene vividly: “The sky turned red, and there were several explosions. It felt like drones were flying above. The power went out, and the whole scene lasted for about half an hour before it started again.” This sense of alarm was echoed by Parag Abrol, a local businessman who had just parked his car when the first explosion occurred. “After a short pause, several more followed. The sky was filled with flares. Given the recent developments, I immediately sensed it was an escalation from Pakistan’s side,” he said.
As the situation unfolded, former Jammu and Kashmir Police chief SP Vaid took to social media to address the public. He confirmed the blackout amid the loud explosions, suggesting that they could be due to bombing, shelling, or missile strikes. “Complete blackout in Jammu. Loud explosions—bombing, shelling, or missile strikes suspected. Fret not—Mata Vaishno Devi is with us, and so are the valiant Indian Armed Forces,” he wrote on X, urging residents to remain calm.
The explosive events in Jammu coincided with heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Just a day prior, on May 7, 2025, Indian forces executed Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In retaliation, Pakistan launched a series of missile strikes on Indian territories, including Jammu.
On the same day as the explosions in Jammu, Pakistan fired eight missiles aimed at various locations, including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. Fortunately, all missiles were intercepted and blocked by Indian air defense units, averting potential disaster. The Defence Ministry confirmed that Pakistan attempted to strike several military installations across Northern and Western India using a mix of drones and missiles.
In the aftermath of these strikes, a high alert was declared in Delhi, with government employees’ leaves canceled as a precautionary measure. Security was significantly heightened across the national capital, with additional forces deployed at key installations. Police conducted thorough checks at malls, markets, metro stations, hotels, and other crowded areas to ensure public safety.
Reports indicated that explosions were also heard in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, as Indian air defense intercepted Pakistani drones. The situation prompted the Delhi Airport to issue a fresh advisory, stating that some flights might be impacted due to changing airspace conditions and heightened security measures.
As the day progressed, authorities in multiple regions across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan faced blackouts enforced in the wake of the attacks. District magistrates held review meetings to assess health and disaster management preparedness in the event of an emergency.
“The police will remain on high alert and maintain heightened vigilance. Night patrols have been intensified, and additional forces will be deployed in all sensitive areas,” a senior police officer stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The public was urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
This latest escalation in hostilities between India and Pakistan has raised concerns among residents, many of whom were going about their daily routines before the explosions. “Earlier, markets were open and people were going about their day. There was no sign of tension that something like this could happen,” Abrol noted.
The recent events highlight the fragile state of affairs between the two nations, with both sides engaging in military operations that have resulted in increased tensions on the ground. As the situation continues to evolve, the Indian government and military remain focused on ensuring the safety and security of its citizens while navigating the complexities of regional conflicts.
With the specter of further escalations looming, residents in Jammu and surrounding areas are left to grapple with the uncertainty of their safety amidst the backdrop of military operations and retaliatory strikes. The hope is that diplomacy may yet prevail, but for now, the fear of conflict remains palpable.
As the dust settles on this latest episode of violence, the need for dialogue and de-escalation becomes ever more critical. Both nations must find a way to address their grievances without resorting to violence, for the sake of their people and the stability of the region.
