Panic grips Punjab after drone alerts and sirens, people asked to stay indoors in several districts

At 10.23 am, the administration issued a clarification, stating: “As per communication received from the Security Officer of the Air Force Station (AFS), the loud sound heard this morning at approximately 8:10 am was due to a preparatory mock drill conducted by the AFS.”

Despite the clarification, market closure orders remained in effect for the day.

In Ferozepur, red alert sirens were activated in the morning, prompting the administration to instruct residents to stay inside their houses. Similar advisories were issued in Bathinda and Fazilka, too.

Deputy Commissioner (Bathinda) Showkat Ahmad Parray issued a statement at 10.23 am: “All sirens on. All members of the public are directed to stay indoors. Take appropriate self-protection measures. Those in shops should remain inside. No order to close shops has been issued yet.”

In the morning, a blast-type sound was heard from inside the Air Force station, Bathinda, confirmed SSP Bathinda Amneet Kondal. The reasons have not yet been revealed.

The Fazilka administration also issued a public advisory: “All residents are instructed to stay inside their homes until further orders. Those in the market should take shelter in the nearest shop. Wait for the next instructions. Do not panic. Stay calm.”

A detailed advisory from the Barnala and Kapurthala administrations included the following precautionary measures:

1. Avoid large gatherings or crowds.
2. Refrain from moving out in the open.
3. Avoid being in tall buildings.
4. All markets in the Barnala district are to remain closed.
5. Malls and high-rise commercial buildings in the rest of the district will remain shut today.
6. Stay calm—these are precautionary measures.
7. Follow official instructions.
8. Do not believe or circulate rumours.

With empty markets and rising concerns, residents across Punjab are bracing for further updates. The authorities have assured that timely information will be shared as the situation develops.