Punjab Under Blackout, Rajasthan on Edge as Ceasefire Crumbles

Punjab Under Blackout, Rajasthan on Edge as Ceasefire Crumbles
The fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan, announced on May 10, 2025, collapsed within hours as Pakistan’s drone incursions and shelling triggered renewed blackouts across Punjab and red alerts in Rajasthan’s border districts. The violations, following India’s Operation Sindoor, have heightened tensions, plunging border regions into uncertainty and fear.

Ceasefire Violations Spark Chaos
The ceasefire, brokered through talks between India’s DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai and Pakistan’s Major General Kashif Abdullah, aimed to halt hostilities after intense clashes. However, by 8:30 p.m. on May 10, Pakistan launched drones and artillery fire along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border, targeting Srinagar, Jammu, and Punjab’s Pathankot. Indian air defenses intercepted multiple drones, but the breaches prompted blackouts in Punjab cities like Amritsar, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, and Moga. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed frustration on X, stating, “This is no ceasefire,” as explosions echoed in Srinagar.

Punjab’s Blackout Measures
Punjab’s district administrations, including Pathankot and Jalandhar, reimposed blackouts as a precaution after briefly lifting them post-ceasefire. Air raid sirens blared, and residents were urged to stay indoors. The Hoshiarpur administration enforced a blackout at 8:50 p.m., with streetlights switched off in Jalandhar. The measures, aimed at protecting civilian and military infrastructure, disrupted daily life, with markets shuttered and schools closed. Amritsar’s Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahwney emphasized calm, advising against firecrackers to avoid confusion. These actions reflect the region’s heightened state of alert amid ongoing drone threats.

Rajasthan’s Red Alerts
Rajasthan’s border districts—Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, and Sriganganagar—were placed on red alert after drones were spotted and a drone was shot down in Pokhran. Blackouts were enforced in Barmer and Jaisalmer, with authorities banning public gatherings and urging residents to avoid travel. The alerts follow reports of explosions and shelling, with Indian forces maintaining vigilance to counter further incursions.

India’s Response and Global Concern
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned Pakistan’s violations, stating the armed forces were instructed to respond robustly. U.S. President Donald Trump, who hailed the ceasefire, faces scrutiny as the truce falters. The region remains on edge, with peace hanging by a thread.