On May 10, 2025, a red alert was issued in three cities of Rajasthan—Barmer, Sri Ganganagar, and Jodhpur—amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The district administrations have urged residents to return home and cease all public movements as a precautionary measure.
In Barmer, district collector Tina Dabi ordered all markets to close and all public movements to halt at around 10 a.m. that morning. "All residents are ordered to immediately return to their homes. Markets must be closed, and all public movement is to cease with immediate effect. Authorities have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of these orders. This is an urgent notice," the order stated.
Earlier that day, at 5 a.m., another red alert was triggered following reports of drone attacks launched from across the Pakistani border. Fortunately, Indian defense systems successfully intercepted and neutralized these threats. A complete blackout remained in effect until 6 a.m., lasting nearly 12 hours. The situation has left residents on high alert.
In Sri Ganganagar, authorities announced a complete lockdown, advising citizens to stay indoors. "The district administration and police have appealed to all residents to fully comply with official instructions and extend complete cooperation," said a statement from local officials.
Similarly, in Jodhpur, the district administration directed everyone to return to their homes immediately, with markets ordered to close and all movement stopped. The message emphasized the urgency of the situation, reflecting the fear of potential airstrikes from Pakistan.
As a precaution, markets in Jaisalmer were also shut down, with police urging the public to avoid gathering in public places. The rising tensions have seen Pakistan launching a fresh wave of drone attacks targeting 26 locations across India, from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat, on the night of May 9, 2025. The Indian defense ministry confirmed that attempts to hit vital installations, including airports and air bases, were thwarted successfully.
Amid these developments, the Jodhpur authorities took further measures by banning drone operations across the district without prior permission. This directive, issued under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defence Code, 2023, aims to safeguard national security. The Jodhpur Deputy Commissioner of Police stated, "In view of the current circumstances, due to Jodhpur city being located near the Indo-Pak border and being strategically important, drone operation in the entire Jodhpur Commissionerate jurisdiction has been prohibited without permission."
Drone operators in the region were instructed to deposit their drones at the nearest police stations immediately, with a warning that legal action would follow for non-compliance. "Therefore, in the said order, all drone operators/holders of Jodhpur Commissionerate are directed to ensure that the drones held by them are deposited in the concerned/nearest police stations today itself with immediate effect. If the drone is not deposited by any operator/holder, action will be taken against him as per rules," the order clarified.
The current tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated significantly following Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Armed Forces in the early hours of May 7, 2025. This operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) as a retaliatory response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including one Nepali national. Operation Sindoor is noted as one of the deepest strikes carried out by India inside Pakistan's undisputed territory since 1971.
Local authorities in Barmer have also warned residents against traveling to the city, particularly those in nearby villages or towns. A notice on social media urged individuals to postpone any travel plans to Barmer due to the high alert status. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing monitoring and updates from local officials.
As the situation develops, residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed and adhere strictly to the directives issued by local authorities. The heightened military activity and the potential for further retaliatory actions have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear in the region.
In the face of these challenges, the Indian government has reiterated its commitment to national security and the safety of its citizens. The military continues to maintain a vigilant posture along the border, prepared to respond to any further provocations from Pakistan.
As tensions remain high, the public is reminded to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as they navigate this precarious situation. The coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the conflict and the safety of the residents in these border areas.
Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and security of all citizens while responding to the evolving dynamics of the situation. The impact of these events will likely resonate beyond the immediate area, affecting broader regional stability and security.