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Panic spread across Chandigarh as sirens wailed and lights went out, hours after missile and drone attacks from Pakistan shook northern India.
Emergency Protocols Triggered Across Chandigarh 🚨
Chandigarh witnessed a tense Thursday evening after emergency sirens were sounded and a citywide blackout was enforced. Local authorities ordered shops to shut and residents to return home immediately following reports of missile and drone attacks by Pakistan targeting parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab’s Pathankot.
The blackout was not limited to Chandigarh. Nearby regions such as Mohali, Panchkula, Amritsar, and even Jaisalmer in Rajasthan also experienced sudden power cuts, all as precautionary measures in response to escalating military tensions.
Official Statement from Chandigarh District Collector
The district collector issued a public advisory during the crisis, urging citizens to stay indoors, avoid rooftops, and turn off all lights. The statement read:
"Keeping in view the ongoing emergency situation, all the residents are requested to immediately respond to the sound of the siren and switch off all the lights and also are advised not to venture outside or on the rooftops."
Power supply was restored in Chandigarh post-midnight, but officials recommended a voluntary blackout to maintain caution.
Missile Attacks and Escalation in Jammu and Kashmir
According to defense sources, Pakistan launched a fresh round of aggression Thursday evening, firing at least eight missiles toward Indian territories including RS Pura, Arnia, Samba, and Hiranagar in Jammu and Kashmir. India's air defense systems successfully intercepted many of them, including several over Jammu.
Shelling was also reported in Pathankot, Punjab—just 30 kilometers from the international border—adding to the region’s growing anxiety.
15 Indian Locations Targeted
Overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, Pakistan attempted to strike military installations across 15 locations including Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh. However, India’s defense forces neutralized most threats, and debris collection is underway as part of the investigation.
In retaliation, India targeted and neutralized air defense systems in Pakistan, including one in Lahore, confirming a calculated but strong response to the aggression.
India Calls Out Pakistan’s Escalation
At a press conference on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri rejected Pakistan’s narrative of Indian escalation. He clarified that India’s military actions were a response to Pakistan’s initial provocation on April 22—a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people.
“The original escalation was by Pakistan… Our response was restrained, limited to non-civilian and non-military targets, specifically terrorist camps,” Misri stated. He further warned that any continued aggression from Pakistan would be met with appropriate responses.
Conclusion
The sudden blackout and sirens in Chandigarh serve as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the region. While power has been restored and normalcy is gradually returning, heightened tensions between India and Pakistan remain a cause for concern.
