Ceasefire Violations Trigger Blackouts in Punjab, High Alert in Jalandhar, Amritsar

Punjab was thrust back into darkness as Pakistan violated a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, prompting widespread blackouts and high alerts in cities like Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Ferozepur. The violations, involving drone attacks and shelling, shattered hopes of peace just hours after the truce was announced, escalating tensions in the India-Pakistan conflict sparked by Operation Sindoor.

Ceasefire Breached by Drone Attacks
The ceasefire, effective from 5 p.m. on May 10, was meant to halt hostilities following India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike on terrorist bases in Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26. However, Pakistan’s military launched kamikaze drones, including Byker YIHA III models, targeting Amritsar’s Khasa Cantt and other areas. Indian air defenses neutralized multiple drones, but sightings in Jalandhar, Pathankot, and Gurdaspur forced authorities to reimpose blackouts. Explosions and air raid sirens rattled residents, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah decrying the violations, stating, “This is no ceasefire,” as blasts echoed in Srinagar.

Blackouts and High Alerts
Punjab’s district administrations, including those in Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Hoshiarpur, enforced blackouts as a precautionary measure after drones were spotted. Earlier, districts like Sangrur and Patiala had lifted blackout orders post-ceasefire, but the renewed threat reversed these decisions. Jalandhar’s Deputy Commissioner urged calm, advising residents to stay indoors and avoid handling debris from downed drones. High alerts were also issued in Rajasthan’s Barmer and Gujarat’s Kutch, where drones were intercepted. The measures disrupted daily life, with markets in Pathankot shuttered and air raid sirens heightening public anxiety.

International and Domestic Response
U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced the ceasefire, faced scrutiny as violations persisted. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the truce was bilaterally negotiated, with further talks scheduled for May 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s terms for peace, while Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, praised the truce but faced questions about military compliance.

A Region on Edge
The ceasefire violations underscore the fragility of India-Pakistan relations. With blackouts and alerts gripping Punjab, the region remains tense, awaiting diplomatic efforts to restore stability and prevent further escalation.