Normalcy returns with cautious optimism to Punjab's border districts
Calm returned to Punjab, especially in districts sharing the International Border with Pakistan, on Sunday (May 11, 2025), after four days of intense military conflict between India and Pakistan.
While tension prevailed on the intervening night of May 10 and 11 as Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement, with blackouts enforced in multiple districts, including including Pathankot, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Gurdaspur, the authorities on Sunday (May 11, 2025) morning asked people to resume normal activities and remain calm. Security forces continue to maintain constant vigil.
Also read: India-Pakistan ceasefire updates on May 11, 2025
Educational institutions across the State will reopen on Monday (May 12, 2025). 'Regular classes and examinations will proceed as per the academic schedule,' Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains said.
The Ferozepur district administration on Sunday (May 11, 2025) morning said the situation was peaceful in the area and 'work may be resumed as normal'. A statement from the Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner's office, however, urged people to refrain from bursting crackers and flying drones. Similar missives were dispatched by other district administrations, including Amritsar and Jalandhar.
'All is well here in Jalandhar. As per authentic information received, there is nothing to worry here and work may resume here as normal. Forces are on constant vigil,' Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal said.
Cautious optimism was evident along with some anxiety as people returned to normal activities, and shops and commercial establishments opened.
'Anxiety is bound to be there during the combat, but no one here gets scared. We in the border villages and towns are used to such situations. Though it's good that both countries have agreed to a ceasefire, it's difficult to trust Pakistan. Today (Sunday), there has been a calm in the atmosphere, and most people are back to their routine,' Vijay Kakkar, (71), a resident of Ferozepur city, said.
Sunil Dutt, a social worker and agriculturist in Dinanagar, close to the International Border in Gurdaspur district, said life returned to normal on Saturday (May 10, 2025). 'Most shops were open across the town and people in surrounding villages were seen in their fields as well. During the past three-four days, there were tense moments, but I always had immense faith in our defence forces,' Mr. Dutt said.
Two held
Meanwhile, Punjab police apprehended two individuals for their alleged involvement in espionage activities linked to a Pakistani official posted at thee Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. 'Acting on credible intelligence, one suspect was arrested by Malerkotla police for leaking sensitive information regarding Indian Army movements to a Pakistan-based handler. Based on disclosures made during interrogation, a second conduit was also identified and taken into custody,' Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said.
'Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had been receiving payments through online transactions in exchange for classified information. They were in frequent contact with the handler and were involved in channelling funds to other local operatives as per his instructions,' the DGP said.
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