India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate: Blackouts Enforced In Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan And Punjab Amid Fresh Attacks

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated after the launch of Operation Sindoor, a retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22. As part of the latest escalation, Pakistan attempted to target Jammu’s airport, but Indian air defences successfully intercepted the threat by shooting down drones.

Following this attack, blackouts were implemented in several regions of India, including Jammu, Udhampur, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Uri, Baramula, and Amritsar.

The Pakistani action comes hours after its bid to target 15 Indian cities was thwarted by the Indian armed forces. As a precaution, blackouts were implemented in several regions of India, including Jammu, Udhampur, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Uri, Baramula, and Amritsar. Pakistan attempted to target Jammu’s airport, but Indian air defences successfully intercepted the threat by shooting down drones.

The Centre and Punjab government have ordered a complete blackout in Gurdaspur district from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am, starting May 8, 2025, until further notice. This measure is in response to the sensitive situation along the India-Pakistan border and is issued under the Civil Defence Act, 1968. The blackout does not apply to Gurdaspur Central Jail and hospitals, but their windows must be securely closed and covered during the specified hours.

Following a nationwide civil defence drill, which led to power outages in Amritsar, the district administration conducted another blackout rehearsal in the early hours of Thursday, May 8, 2025, starting at 1:30 a.m. Residents were urged to remain indoors and stay calm.

The Amritsar District Public Relations Officer stated, “To ensure utmost caution, the Amritsar district administration has initiated another blackout drill.” The message further advised, “Please stay at home, do not panic, avoid gathering outside, and turn off all exterior lights.”

A similar drill was carried out earlier in Amritsar from 10:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. as part of security measures following the Pahalgam attack.

Meanwhile, Delhi conducted mock drills at 55 locations to improve emergency preparedness in response to the situation.

Both the Punjab and Rajasthan governments have placed their forces on high alert, canceling the leaves of all police and administrative personnel. Schools in border districts of both states have been shut. In Punjab, these districts include Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran, while Rajasthan has closed schools in Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer.