Shortly after PM address, Pakistan drones spotted in border areas
Pakistani drones
breached Indian airspace over border regions of J&K, Rajasthan and Punjab late Monday, triggering
blackouts
and emergency measures, despite a pause in Indo-Pak military action.
Drones were spotted near Samba sector in Jammu division, shortly after PM Narendra Modi praised Indian forces for the success of Operation Sindoor and warned Islamabad over terrorist links.
Red streaks and explosions lit the sky, according to residents. Army sources confirmed drone movement, saying: "Being engaged. There is no need to be alarmed." No further intrusions were reported, suggesting air defences neutralised the threat.
Suspicious drone-like objects were reported over Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district around 9.30pm. Blackouts were ordered across Chirawa, Surajgarh, Sultana, and Pilani. Collector Ramavatar Meena said the move was precautionary, urging vigilance and public cooperation.
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Drones were also sighted in Barmer and Jaisalmer. While no official red alert was issued, Jaisalmer saw an undeclared blackout with street lighting suspended. Drone activity was concentrated in Jalipa, Munabao Gadra sector, Mohangarh, and Shahgarh.
Punjab enforced precautionary blackouts in multiple border districts Monday night. In Jalandhar, a surveillance drone was brought down near Mand village at 9.20pm, according to DC Himanshu Aggarwal. Drone incursions ceased by 10pm, but partial blackouts were ordered in parts of Jalandhar near Suranassi.
"As a precautionary measure, lights have been switched off in some areas around Suranassi as there have been reports of drone sightings. We are verifying them. There is nothing to worry, as confirmed by armed forces officers," Aggarwal said.
Amritsar re-imposed blackout at 8.45pm after air raid sirens sounded. In Hoshiarpur, DC ordered lights off in Dasuya and Mukerian, and advised voluntary compliance in remaining areas. Amritsar district administration restored the electricity supply at midnight but is still on alert.
District authorities across Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Pathankot, Ferozepur, and Fazilka ordered closure of all govt and private schools Tuesday under Civil Defence Act of 1968, aimed at bolstering preparedness for any potential emergency.
Teachers were directed to conduct online classes. Earlier announcements to reopen schools in Ferozepur and Fazilka were reversed by evening. However, Gurdaspur officials said schools would operate as scheduled.
(Inputs from Jammu, Jhunjhunu, Jaisalmer, Bathinda & Amritsar)
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