India and Pakistan have agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire following US-mediated talks. (Source: PTI)Punjab Today News Live Updates: Hours after the ceasefire was agreed upon with Pakistan on Saturday evening, several parts of Punjab observed precautionary blackouts on Saturday evening. All residents are urged to switch off both indoor and outdoor lights, following the same procedures as in previous instances. Authorities have emphasised that there is no need for panic and have advised the public to strictly follow all safety protocols. Further information will be shared from time to time as required.
India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement: Three days after multiple drone sightings and explosions across Punjab’s border districts, India on Saturday said a ceasefire was agreed upon with Pakistan. US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire first on his Truth Social platform, saying that India and Pakistan have agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire following US-mediated talks. He praised both nations for their use of “common sense and great intelligence” in reaching the agreement. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, too, confirmed the ceasefire, emphasising Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace without compromising its sovereignty.
Operation Sindoor Live News Updates: Follow here
Previously: Three people were injured in a possible drone attack in Punjab’s Ferozepur. Multiple drones were sighted and explosions were reported across Punjab’s border districts, including Ferozepur, Amritsar, Pathankot, and Tarn Taran early Saturday morning. In Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, people reported hearing explosion-like sounds, with initial reports coming in around 5:00 am. At least three drones were reported to have fallen in residential areas in Ferozepur, damaging several houses, and three persons sustaining burn injuries.
The precautionary blackouts implemented on Saturday evening have now been lifted in Patiala and Ferozepur. However, authorities are advising residents to remain vigilant and avoid stepping out unless it is an emergency.
Barnala Deputy Commissioner and SSP announced a complete blackout in the district from 11:00 PM on 10th May 2025 till 6:00 AM on 11th May, Sunday.
All residents are instructed to keep their house lights turned off. During this period, the electricity supply will be cut off.
Even after the electricity is restored, residents must keep all household lights, solar lights, and CCTV cameras switched off.
Strict compliance with these instructions must be ensured.
There is no need to panic, and as responsible citizens, no one should spread rumours or unverified information.
After the precautionary blackout on Saturday evening, the power supply were restored in Bathinda. However, public is requested to keep the lights turned off as a matter of caution. ACS/Fans can be used.
Hours after the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions for days, Punjab’s border areas including Ferozepur, Barnala, Pathankot, Sangrur and others witnessed blackouts Saturday evening.
The blackouts come in the wake of multiple explosions and sirens being heard in Jammu and Kashmir. “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!” J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdulllah posted on X, adding that this was “no ceasefire”.
The blackout in Ferozepur started at 8:40 pm, with the district administration conveying that it was a “precautionary measure” and urging citizens to follow safety protocols, adding that there was no need to panic.
Blackout was also implemented in Barnala district starting 9:00 pm, and is supposed to continue till 11:00 pm. The Sangrur and Hoshiarpur authorities also asked citizens to observe blackouts. Read
A precautionary blackout was implemented in SBS Nagar on Saturday night. The District Administration has urged residents to remain indoors and assured that there is no cause for panic.
A blackout is announced in Kapurthala on Saturday.
A precautionary blackout was implemented on Saturday across several districts in Punjab, including Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Muktsar, Bathinda, Malerkotla, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Gurdaspur.
In addition, Ludhiana and Jalandhar switched off street lights and urged residents to follow suit by turning off their lights. The measure was taken as a precautionary step, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.
A blackout has been imposed from 9 PM to 5 AM in Gurdaspur.
A blackout will be implemented in Patiala district for the next two hours, and street lights will remain off.
People are requested to stay inside their homes.
Shri Aditya Uppal, Deputy Commissioner of Pathankot, has issued an appeal to the residents of Pathankot, stating that a blackout has been imposed across the district for the time being.
All residents of Pathankot are requested to stay inside their homes and avoid going out in the open.
There is no need to panic.
A blackout has been imposed with immediate effect in the Sri Muktsar Sahib district on Saturday.
The situation in Mohali is currently stable, with authorities confirming that all preparations are in place to handle any potential threats on Saturday. While there is no immediate danger, the public is advised to remain vigilant and avoid panic. All relevant teams have been placed on high alert, and in the event of any imminent risk, official warnings will be issued to ensure the safety of residents.
In a precautionary move, Malerkotla will undergo a blackout for the next two hours, starting from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM on Saturday. The District Commissioner of Malerkotla have urged residents not to panic and to refrain from spreading or believing in rumours during this period. For any emergencies, the public can reach out to the Help Desk at 01675-252003.
The Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda has declared a blackout in the district on Saturday evening. There is no major cause for worry, but blackout must be ensured as a matter of abundant caution, says the official.
The Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar confirmed that street lights in some areas of the city are being turned off as a precautionary measure. However, officials clarified that a blackout has not been declared and that Jalandhar remains unaffected. Residents have been urged to remain calm and assured that the situation is being closely monitored.
Precautionary blackout observed in Bathinda on Saturday.
Precautionary blackout in Fazilka from 9:30 PM onwards on Saturday.
As of now, there is no cause for concern. However, depending on how the situation develops, we may need to issue blackout orders again. All teams are on high alert and fully prepared. Our armed forces, in coordination with the district administration, are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety, says DC Ludhiana
The District Administration of Barnala has announced a scheduled blackout in the district from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Saturday. All residents are requested to switch off all types of lights during this period. Citizens are advised not to panic, remain calm, and stay indoors throughout the blackout for safety.
As a precautionary measure, blackout was implemented in Gurdaspur and Pathankot on Saturday night.
A complete blackout has been declared in Sangrur district for the night of May 10 and 11, from 9:10 PM to 11:00 PM. During this time, all residents are instructed to keep household lights switched off, as the power supply will remain shut down. Even after the restoration of electricity, residents must continue to keep household lights, solar lights, CCTV cameras, and similar devices turned off. Strict compliance with these instructions is mandatory. Authorities urge citizens not to panic and to act responsibly by avoiding the spread of rumours or unverified information, issued by the Deputy Commissioner and SSP of Sangrur.
The District Administration of Ferozepur has announced the reimplementation of a district-wide blackout as a precautionary measure. All residents are urged to switch off both indoor and outdoor lights, following the same procedures as in previous instances. Authorities have emphasised that there is no need for panic and have advised the public to strictly follow all safety protocols. Further information will be shared from time to time as required.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced on Truth Social that India and Pakistan have agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire following US mediated talks. He praised both nations for their use of "common sense and great intelligence" in reaching the agreement. Shortly after, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire, emphasisingg Pakistan's commitment to regional peace without compromising its sovereignty. Further details are expected at a 6 PM briefing by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Saturday assured the public that the state has ample stocks of essential items and is fully prepared to handle any emergency due to the rising India-Pakistan tensions. Emergency services are operational across hospitals, and the public is urged not to panic, hoard supplies, or spread rumours.
The government will provide free treatment for disaster-related injuries and train citizens, medical staff, and volunteers in first aid and rescue procedures. District police and emergency teams are also on high alert to ensure public safety.
Panic spread through parts of Jalandhar late Friday night and early Saturday morning after a series of aerial explosions were heard. Residents reported spotting strange objects, believed to be drones and missile-like devices, falling from the sky after being neutralised.
Darshan Singh, a resident of Nahlan village in Jalandhar, was sitting on his tubewell around 8.45 am Saturday when he heard one such explosion.
“A very sharp object suddenly came from the sky and fell with great force. Before I could react, a huge soil storm, which went up to 50-60 feet high, erupted from the ground and a loud bang was heard seconds before this speedy fall. It was terrifying,” Darshan recalled, adding that a 2-foot deep pit could even be at the spot where the object fell in the field. Read more
The Additional District Magistrate of Gurdaspur, Harjinder Singh Bedi, IAS, has issued an order prohibiting civilians from using olive-coloured uniforms, jeeps, and motorcycles in the district. The order has been issued under powers granted by Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
“In view of the current situation along the India-Pakistan border, this step has been taken to prevent possible misuse by anti-social elements,” said Bedi.
The ban does not apply to military forces, BSF personnel, or other government security agencies whose uniforms are olive in colour.
“There is a possibility that in such conditions, certain individuals may use olive-coloured clothing or vehicles to cause harm,” the Additional District Magistrate stated. “To avoid confusion, the use of olive colour by civilians must stop immediately.”
He added that traders have also been directed not to sell such items to the public. The order is effective from May 10, 2025, and will remain in force until further notice.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann appeals to people not to touch debris of the ammunition landing near them.
ਸਾਡੀ ਫੌਜ ਦੀਆਂ ਹਦਾਇਤਾਂ ਮੁਤਾਬਕ ਅਸੀਂ ਆਮ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਅਪੀਲ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ ਕਿ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਵੀ ਕੋਈ ਧਮਾਕੇ ਵਾਲੀ ਚੀਜ਼ ਡਿੱਗਦੀ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਦਿਖਾਈ ਦਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਪੁਲਿਸ ਅਤੇ ਫੌਜ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਓ। ਧਮਾਕੇ ਵਾਲੀ ਥਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਆਮ ਲੋਕ ਨਾ ਜਾਣ ਅਤੇ ਨਾ ਹੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਚੀਜ਼ ਨੂੰ ਹੱਥ 'ਚ ਫੜ੍ਹਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰਨ, ਇਸ ਨਾਲ ਵੱਡਾ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਹੋ… pic.twitter.com/rIqEoroWhM
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 10, 2025
A sea of youngsters turned up for the Civil Defence Volunteer program of the Union Territory administration held at the Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh on Saturday.
While the timing to reach the venue was 12.15 pm, thousands of boys and girls arrived at the spot well before 8 am.
The turnout was so huge that thousands of candidates were asked to move to the Tiranga Ground at Sector 17, Chandigarh, for the training.
The training included basic-level cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of first aid, transporting an injured person to a safe place, and ways of dousing a fire.
The participants were told that they would be called if required for assistance by the UT Administration.
After a tense Friday night marked by drone sightings at multiple locations in Punjab, residents across several districts woke up to panic Saturday. District administrations in Phagwara, Kapurthala, Barnala, and Ferozepur ordered market closures as precautionary measures, while authorities in Bathinda and Fazilka advised people to remain indoors or take shelter inside shops.
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.
Amritsar gets the green signal to resume normal activities. Amritsar DC thanked people for cooperating. “Thanking you for your cooperation, the green signal has been given. We may continue our normal activities,” DC’s statement read.
The Ludhiana Commissionerate Police detained two individuals on Saturday for circulating fake videos on various social media platforms. The videos caused unwarranted panic among the public.
During a press conference, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rupinder Singh revealed that the detained individuals had shared the misleading videos from their personal social media accounts.
After multiple drone sightings and explosions were reported across Punjab’s border districts Friday night, authorities have cautioned people against touching objects falling from the skies, no matter how big or small they are.
This was after the authorities noticed several incidents of people, mostly in villages, gathering around these drones/missile-like objects and touching them out of curiosity. The residents should immediately inform the police or call the district helpline number instead of touching the objects, as they might explode, said officials. Read more
An air attack warning has been sounded in Bathinda. All sirens on while people have been directed to stay indoors. They have been asked to take appropriate self-protection measures. While there’s no order to close shops as of now those at shops are advised to should stay inside.
The district administration in Pathankot have asked all hotels to shut down and the guests asked to leave immediately.
In a media briefing on Saturday, the Indian government said that Pakistan’s actions in the last three days are being seen as “provocative and escalatory as they tried to hit air base stations in Punjab”.
The briefing was addressed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
The briefing comes hours after India launched retaliatory strikes as Pakistan fired a wave of drones and missiles at targets in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
The Indian Army, via a statement, said that multiple Pakistani drones were intercepted over Amritsar around 5 am and declared that it would “thwart enemy designs”. Read more
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to soar, the Chandigarh Administration has invited the youth of the country to join as civil defence volunteers to support emergency preparedness.
Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner (DC)-cum-District Magistrate (DM) Nishant Kumar Yadav on Friday said that for joining a civil defence enrolment and training camp, people of over 18 years of age can come at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh on May 10 (Saturday). Following their training, the volunteers will be deployed on duties.
As tension escalated across Punjab with frequent red alerts and blackouts, students of Panjab University (PU) and Chandigarh University (CU) began vacating campuses in large numbers this week. Hostellers, particularly from conflict-prone and border regions, left amid mounting fears for their families, blocked roads, and what they described as a delayed administrative response. Read more.
A drone fell on a house in Wadala, Amritsar as Pakistani drones continuing to make incursions in Punjab.
(Express Photo)
With suspected Pakistani drones continuing to make incursions in Punjab, the state government has now zeroed in on basement parkings, schools, gurdwaras and other covered places in all districts to move residents, in case the need arose, officials said.
For a second consecutive night on Friday, air raid sirens wailed in several districts while blackout was enforced in Pathankot, Ferozepur, Amritsar and some other districts as sounds resembling that of blasts were heard and residents reporting drone sightings. Read more
Amid India-Pakistan conflict, Kapurthala DC has issued an advisory
1. Avoid large gatherings or crowd.
2. Avoid moving out in the open.
3. Avoid movement in tall buildings.
4. Kapurthala City and Phagwara City markets are being ordered to be closed.
5. Malls and high rise commercial buildings in rest of the distt will remain closed today.
6. Stay calm. All above are precautionary measures.
7. Follow Instructions
8. Do not believe in rumours
A similar advisory has been issued in Barnala, where markets have been shut. Markets are also closed in Ferozepur
Administration in Fazilka has issued an advisory, asking people to stay on the ground floor of the houses, and to avoid living on first floor or more.
Amid India and Pakistan conflict on rise after Operation Sindoor, panic buying of dry ration has surged across Punjab, particularly in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala and Bathinda.
In Amritsar, long queues were seen at D-Mart, with customers rushing to purchase groceries.
Multiple drone sightings and explosions were reported across Punjab’s border districts including Ferozepur, Amritsar, Pathankot, and Tarn Taran. In Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, people reported hearing explosion-like sounds.
Red alerts were issued in Amritsar and Bathinda Saturday morning. All residents have been requested to stay inside their buildings and take self protection measures.
The Punjab government Friday cleared a proposal to procure an anti-drone system at an outlay of Rs 51.41 crore to be deployed at state’s border with Pakistan the move coming at a time when the neighbouring country has been unleashing a swarm of drones to target Indian military facilities, probe air defence systems and gather intelligence at multiple locations.
The decision was taken in an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
“Nine anti-drone systems will be installed along 532 kilometres of border with Pakistan. The anti-drone system (ADS) was required to enhance the capability to detect and neutralise hostile drones, thereby preventing the influx of arms, explosives and narcotics that are smuggled from across the border,” an official spokesperson said after the meeting.
At least three drones were reported to have fallen in residential areas in Ferozepur damaging several houses, and three persons sustaining burn injuries, one being critical now.
In Ferozepur, one of the drones fell on the house of a local businessman, Shivam Grover. Amritpal Singh, his neighbour, said, “Fortunately, Grover and his family have relocated to another part of the city.” In Khai Femeke village near the cantonment, a drone reportedly caused a car to catch fire.
In view of growing cyber threats particularly from the notorious Pakistan-linked hacking group APT36 (also known as Transparent Tribe), the Chandigarh Police cyber authorities have issued a nationwide alert urging citizens and organisations to remain vigilant and adopt strict digital hygiene practices.
According to cyber officials, APT36 is a well-known cyber-espionage group with a history of targeting Indian defence personnel, government institutions, research centers, diplomats, and critical infrastructure.
“Their primary tactics include phishing emails, infected mobile apps, spyware, and embedding hidden malware on educational or research websites to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information,” said a Cyber Crime Cell official.
Sirens were blown as Amritsar is still under red alert. The District Commissioner has asked everyone to not panic and keep their lights off, and maintain voluntary blackout until further notice.
Suneel Bartwal, Public Relations Officer (PRO) & Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Jammu (J&K), posted on X, " Drones have been sighted at 26 locations along the International Border and LoC with Pakistan. These include suspected armed drones. The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala."
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsDrones have been sighted at 26 locations along the International Border and LoC with Pakistan. These include suspected armed drones. The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj,…
— PRO Defence Jammu (@prodefencejammu) May 9, 2025
Amid reports of explosions and a suspected drone attack on Friday night, blackouts were observed in several districts across Punjab. Power outages began around 1:00 AM in areas including Barnala, Patiala, Malerkotla, and parts of Ludhiana.
Sangrur faced a prolonged outage, initially from 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM, and then again continuing until at least 5:00 AM. Malerkotla blackout from 1.15 am and Faridkot blackout from 1.30 AM onwards. In Ludhiana, power disruptions were also observed, though the district public relations department has yet to issue any formal statement.
Long queues were witnessed at grocery stores in Mohali and Chandigarh on Friday as residents rushed to stock up on essentials, triggering scenes of panic buying. The surge in demand came after rumours of shops closing early at 7 pm circulated widely, prompting people to buy ration and fuel in bulk.
Heavy crowds were reported particularly in the afternoon, with residents flocking to stores in Sector 26 Grain Market, Sector 22, Sector 27, Sector 20, and other key markets. Essentials such as dry rations, flour, rice, milk powder, and pulses saw soaring demand, and some items even went out of stock.
“I came to buy 2 kg of milk powder in case there’s a milk shortage, but it was already unavailable at a Sector 27 store,” said Harpreet Kaur, a local resident. “I hope the situation improves and daily essentials remain available.”
The panic was not limited to groceries. The electric market in Sector 18 also saw a rush, with people purchasing inverters, batteries, torches, and emergency lights, preparing for possible disruptions. Read
Instructions from the Army:
Issued by the District Public Relations Office, Hoshiarpur, just now:
With the evolving nature of security threats, civilians must be aware of threats from drones. Civilians may come across a shot-down or crashed drone, possibly equipped with explosives, surveillance systems, or weaponry.
May I request the assistance of Civil Administration in reporting the same to ensure public safety and assist the Army in prompt neutralisation/ investigations.
The following steps may be followed:-
1. Understanding the Threat.
Armed drones may:-
• Carry explosives or toxic substances.
• Be rigged with anti-handling mechanisms.
• Be part of surveillance or infiltration attempts.
• Collect or transmit sensitive information.
2. Upon Sighting a Fallen/ Damaged Drone/Debris.
• Do Not Approach the Drone.
• Maintain a safe distance.
• Do Not Touch, move, or disturb any parts, wires, or surroundings.
• Restrict others from approaching — Request Police and locals to secure the site informally until Army personnel arrive.
3. How to Report.
Contact the local police control room. Police/ Civil Administration is requested to inform in the WhatsApp Group or by telephone. The following details will assist the army:-
• Location coordinates or prominent landmarks
• Time of sighting
• Description of the drone (colour, size, shape, payload)
• Direction of movement or crash
• Any suspicious activity or individuals seen nearby
• Contact details for follow-up
4. What Not to Do. Following guidelines for the public may be disseminated:-
• Do NOT attempt to pick up or move the drone.
• Do NOT take souvenirs or parts from the debris.
• Do NOT crowd the area or create a traffic jam.
• Do NOT speculate or spread rumours.
Civilians play a vital role in national security. Their vigilance, discipline, and timely reporting to army can prevent loss of life and assist in neutralising threats effectively. Your support in spreading awareness amongst civil population and informing the army in the recovery of debris/ fallen drones will be highly appreciated.
The blackout in Hoshiarpur has officially ended, as announced by District Commissioner Aashika Jain.
Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar Dr Himanshu Aggarwal stated that Residents of Jalandhar are advised not to panic. As a precaution, the district administration has turned off the lights on highways, streets, and mobile towers. Although the lights in the cantonment area were temporarily switched off, they have now been restored. There is no official blackout in Jalandhar now; however, residents voluntarily cooperate with the administration by turning off their lights. The Punjab government is committed to supporting the public, and the district administration has made all necessary arrangements.
Three persons were injured in Punjab’s Ferozepur in a possible drone attack on Friday night. The injured have been rushed to the hospital, according to Ferozepur SSP Bhupinder Singh
In a step to enhance village security, Hoshiarpur has reinstated Thikri Pehra (watch patrols) to monitor and restrict the entry of suspicious individuals. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain announced on Friday that officials have been designated for essential services in each village. Additionally, 150 sandbags have been allocated per village as part of the district’s preparedness measures.
Patiala, Ludhiana, Faridkot and Barnala haven't imposed any blackout as of now on Friday.
A view of the voluntary blackout observed in residential societies of Mohali and Kharar on Friday night.
Following the incident in Ferozepur, the administration of the neighbouring border district Fazilkaurges asked all residents to remain calm and indoors. Please follow these important safety guidelines:
Blackout implemented in Sri Muktsar Sahib District with immediate effect on Friday night.
Everyone is requested not to switch on any kind of lights. Stay indoors and away from windows. Do not panic. Stay alert and cautious.
Planned blackouts were imposed in Bathinda on Friday night. This comes amid rising hostilities between India and Pakistan following India’s launch of Operation Sindoor. The operation, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, targeted nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Fresh tensions unfolded on Friday around 8:30 PM, when explosions were heard in Pathankot and Ferozepur, raising alarms across the region a day after India intercepted multiple missiles over its airspace. According to the sources, what appears to be drones were spotted over Pathankot and were actively being engaged by security forces. This comes amid rising hostilities between India and Pakistan following India’s launch of Operation Sindoor. The operation, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, targeted nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India’s military action was in direct response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
A precautionary blackout has been scheduled for Friday, 9 pm in Fazilka, announced Mandeep Kaur, the Additional Deputy Commissioner. The measure comes in response to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the launch of Operation Sindoor.
A precautionary blackout was observed in Chandigarh and Ferozepur on Friday evening, following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the launch of Operation Sindoor.
Pakistan “will soon be brought to its senses”, Haryana Minister for Energy, Transport and Labour Anil Vij said Friday amid heightened tensions at the border following India’s Operation Sindoor and counter-strikes by the neighbouring country’s forces.
Speaking about the directions for blackout in Ambala, Vij said, “Full preparedness is essential, and nothing can be done without public cooperation, which is why blackout orders have been issued.”
Interacting with reporters, the seven-time MLA from Ambala Cantonment said, “India will treat Pakistan in a way it would have never imagined. They [Pakistan] opened terror factories and sent terrorists to kill our unarmed civilians. Pakistan cannot afford to have a war with India”.
“Operation Sindoor is another instance which shows that Prime Minister Narendra Modi does what he says. PM Modi has a record of fulfilling his promises, be it the construction of the Ram Temple, abolishing triple talaq, or the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. All mistakes made by previous leaders of the country are now being corrected,” Vij said. Read
India’s one of the most prominent tourist and spiritual destinations, Amritsar is witnessing a sharp decline in tourist footfall amid the Indo-Pak flare-up, rendering scores of people associated with the hospitality industry jobless and without income. According to Darbar Sahib authorities, devotee footfall at the Sikh shrine has decreased by 25 per cent, while hospitality industry representatives see a dip of 80-90 per cent in hotel occupancy. Due to its proximity to the International Border with Pakistan, Amritsar finds itself at the heart of disruption, not just facing security concerns, but also experiencing an economic jolt. The hospitality industry in Amritsar has been witnessing a tourism boom for the past few years, becoming one of the most visited cities in the country. Read
A blackout will be observed across Panchkula in Haryana from 7 pm on Friday as a precautionary measure, Deputy Commissioner Monika Gupta said, adding that the district has been placed on high alert because of emergency preparedness amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the launch of Operation Sindoor.
Panchkula is completely safe and there is no need for a curfew, Gupta said, appealing to residents to stay vigilant and cooperate with safety protocols. She also advised residents to avoid panic and trust only official communications from the district administration. Gupta added that only information from the administration’s social media handles or the official civil society WhatsApp groups, which include ward councillors, sarpanches, and other key community leaders, should be trusted.
Chairing a meeting with officials at the district secretariat, Gupta mentioned that following a sudden blackout alert, a district-wide blackout was observed on Thursday night. She noted that another alert could be issued on Friday as well. As a precautionary measure, she urged all residents to voluntarily observe a blackout on Friday evening and remain indoors. All lights inside homes should be turned off, Gupta said, adding that people should avoid going out unless there was an urgent need.
It was also decided to keep solar street lights turned off until the situation normalised. Sensitive areas in the district have been identified, and teams from the health and fire departments are on alert, officials said. Read
The National Lok Adalat, initially scheduled to be held statewide on May 10, has been temporarily postponed in all districts of Punjab. The announcement was made by Avtar Singh, Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority and Hon’ble District and Sessions Judge, citing directions received from the National Legal Services Authority. He added that a new date for the Lok Adalat will be announced in due course.
In light of ongoing blackout operations, the Deputy Commissioner of S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) has issued emergency directives to ensure public safety and maintain order.
In view of the current situation, the National Lok Adalat scheduled to be held on May 10 has been temporarily postponed.
Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority and Hon’ble District and Sessions Judge, Avtar Singh, stated that this decision has been taken as per the directions received from the National Legal Services Authority.
He further mentioned that the new date for the National Lok Adalat will be announced later.
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, authorities in Haryana’s Ambala on Friday ordered a complete blackout from 8 pm till 6 am.
The orders issued by District Magistrate Ajay Singh Tomer also banned the use of inverters or generators for outdoor lighting. However, these “may be used for indoor use on condition that all door and windows are fully covered by thick curtain, so as to ensure no lights come out,” the order said.
“In view of the prevailing circumstances and intelligence inputs indicating a potential air strike threat from Pakistan, it is imperative to ensure complete blackout during the night hours to safeguard public safety and strategic interests. And whereas, use of inverter, generator and any other power backup used for outdoor lights, bill board, street lights etc. may invite any terror/drone attack in District Ambala,” the orders issued on Friday reads.
The order was issued under Section 163 (Power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The Punjab education minister on Thursday announced to closure of all schools in the state for two days.
Confusion prevailed in some districts as teachers were told to report to schools. However, after uproar from teachers, it has been clarified with a fresh order that schools are closed for staffs.
Amid escalation in Indo-Pak tension, Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar said on Friday it is imperative that "clear" advisories and action plans be communicated to the public without any delay.
With blackouts in some areas, sirens in others, "and no communication in many places, public confusion and anxieties are growing", he said.
"In light of the current security situation, the absence of timely coordinated guidance from the administration causes confusion. It is imperative that clear advisories and action plans be communicated to the public without delay.
"I strongly urge both the Ministry of Home Affairs and state authorities to immediately issue clear, consistent guidelines for people," Jakhar said in a post on X.
The situation demands "clarity", the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said.
All 23 districts of Punjab have been allocated emergency funds to address exigencies, with the option to request additional funds as required, in view of the heightened security alert following the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.
Most districts have received an initial amount of Rs 25 lakh each, while Amritsar was granted Rs 50 lakh, considering the higher demand. Further allocations will be made based on specific needs conveyed by the respective deputy commissioners.
Sakshi Sawhney, Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, said, “We have each been given an advance amount based on our initial demand. There is no dearth of funds. I had requested Rs 50 lakh as contingency advance and it was sanctioned immediately. Whenever more funds are needed, we simply need to submit a request and the funds will be released promptly."
Similarly, Rahul, Deputy Commissioner, Tarn Taran, confirmed that Rs 25 lakh had been sanctioned for contingencies in the district, with provisions for further funds as required.
The emergency funds are to be utilised for various purposes, including the conduct of mock drills and blackout rehearsals, organising safe evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas, medical emergencies, repairing damaged homes, and distribution of rations and livestock fodder in affected regions, besides meeting other urgent requirements.
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