India-Pakistan ceasefire in place, but Punjab's border districts yet to see normalcy

Indian Express

12-05-2025

All restrictive orders imposed within the Amritsar district after Operation Sindoor, except the restriction on civilian drone flying, were withdrawn shortly after the ceasefire was announced on Saturday.
However, normalcy was yet to return to the border districts. The airport and the international border, two of the city's important commercial hubs, will remain closed. So far, there was no official word from the government on when they will reopen.
Maintaining that blackouts are implemented for public safety, the Amritsar administration said Sunday if there is any signal or indication of danger, a blackout will be enforced. Even so, people are advised to keep lights to a minimum during the night.
In case of a blackout, all residents are requested to cooperate by turning off all forms of lighting, just as they did in recent days. During such times, people must stay indoors and not panic.
The sense of normalcy cannot return until blackout continues, said Saurav Sharma, a citizen. The violation of the ceasefire on Saturday added to uncertainty in the border districts.
Dr Ajay Gupta, MLA from the Central Assembly constituency, visited Motibazaar and Katra Ahluwalia markets within his constituency. Dr Gupta said he met shopkeepers to boost their morale and assured them that there is no reason to panic due to the current India-Pakistan situation.
He affirmed that the Indian Army is fully capable and that all missiles and drones being sent from Pakistan are being destroyed mid-air by our forces.
He said that traders will not be allowed to face any difficulties and that shopkeepers in the market are continuing business as usual.
However, shops are unlikely to receive regular footfall until full normalcy returns to the city and other border districts.
Punjab State Vyapar Mandal general secretary Sameer Jain said, 'There was definitely an impact of the current situation between India and Pakistan on the market. Almost all businesses shut down immediately. Only the retail sector was functioning, as people were hoarding. Otherwise, all other types of businesses were affected. There is still uncertainty because violations occurred soon after the ceasefire was announced. So now, we will have to see how people behave tomorrow when the markets reopen.'
The city's tourism industry has already been impacted, with hotel occupancy down by 90%.
One major source of livelihood for many involved in the tourism sector was taking tourists to the Wagah border. There is currently no indication of when the retreat ceremony will resume.
Trade through the Integrated Check Post at Attari with Afghanistan was also suspended following the Pahalgam terror attack. Under the current circumstances, there appears to be little hope for its resumption in the near future.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs is being urged to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in Gurdaspur district.
While releasing a statement, Amritsar Vikas Manch said, 'Now that a ceasefire is in place, the request for opening Kartarpur Sahib Corridor must be honuored without further delay.'