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The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Drones spotted over Rajasthan's Barmer, blackout continues in border districts
Incoming drones suspected to have been launched from across the International Border were spotted in Rajasthan's Barmer district on Sunday (May 11, 2025) night, prompting the administration to enforce a strict blackout. Residents of the city were advised to stay indoors and switch off their lights. The drone activity was detected a day after India and Pakistan reached an understanding on the ceasefire along the border. Barmer Collector Tina Dabi alerted people about 'incoming drones' in a message posted on social media platform X, while police personnel took to the streets and asked those returning home after closing their shops to switch off the lights of their vehicles. Follow India-Pakistan ceasefire updates on May 11 The district administration refuted reports of the defence forces shooting down a drone near Barmer. 'These reports are factually incorrect. The district administration completely denies all kinds of rumours going viral on social media,' Ms. Dabi said. Blackout continued as a precautionary measure in Jaisalmer, Sriganganagar, and other border areas of the State on Sunday night in the wake of Saturday's violation of the understanding by Pakistan. The alert along the border also remained in force. Normal activities resumed in the western Rajasthan region, with markets reopening on Sunday. The debris of a drone was found in Barmer's Bhurtiya village in the morning, while the objects moving in the skies of Sriganganagar and Anupgarh were neutralised mid-air by Indian defence forces on Saturday night. There was no blackout in Jodhpur, but schools and colleges will remain closed on Monday, and examinations were postponed. The blackout order in Hanumangarh was lifted, but it could be reimposed if a red alert situation arises. The North-Western Railway on Sunday restored train services operating from Jaisalmer and Barmer, which were earlier cancelled or rescheduled, with their routes curtailed. Flight operations from Jodhpur, Kishangarh and Bikaner airports remain suspended.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ceasefire violated as drone attacks resume in Raj border
Jaisalmer/Jodhpur/Jaipur: In a dramatic turn of events, the brief ceasefire between India and Pakistan was shattered Saturday night as heavy drone activity resumed along the border regions of Rajasthan. By 8pm, drones were reported entering Indian airspace over Pokhran in Jaisalmer and parts of Barmer district. Border districts including Barmer, Jaisalmer, Sriganganagar and Bikaner, along with neighbouring Jodhpur and Phalodi, were quickly placed under red alert and blackout enforced in all the six districts. Barmer Collector Tina Dabi confirmed that after initially lifting restrictions following the ceasefire, authorities were forced to reimpose emergency measures. "All restrictions were lifted and markets were allowed to open. Later in the evening, defence personnel informed about drone movements in Barmer from the Pakistan border. So, a red air alert was reissued and a blackout was declared in Barmer from 8pm to 6am," Dabi told TOI. Danger sirens were sounded and residents reported multiple drone sightings, with some reportedly being shot down by security forces. In Jaisalmer, similar scenes unfolded as heavy drone activity was observed, particularly in the Pokhran area, where explosions were heard as security forces engaged the incoming drones. Collector Pratap Singh said, "Although the blackout time was initially set from 11pm Saturday to 4am Sunday, it was changed to 8:30pm-6am due to the evolving situation," the Jaisalmer collector said." Sriganganagar SP Gaurav Yadav said that given the 'changed circumstances', the blackout in the district remains in effect during the night, with instructions issued for everyone to stay alert and indoors. Bikaner reimposed blackout around 9.15pm Saturday, barely 30 minutes after withdrawing the earlier restrictions. The district's Nal area, home to a key air force station, remained under strict watch. Train services between Bikaner and Jaisalmer were suspended. Police patrolled streets, requesting people to remain indoors. Shopkeepers voluntarily closed their businesses under the guidance of police and municipal teams. The resumption of hostile activities disrupted transportation services, with the Jodhpur Rail Division suspending previously announced train service restorations. Markets that had briefly reopened during the ceasefire were forced to close again and residents were instructed to remain indoors. "We heard reports of a ceasefire in the evening and were happy to be able to move around freely. However, it lasted barely a couple of hours before police vehicles started cautioning us to stay indoors again," said Ramesh Purohit, a shopkeeper in Sriganganagar, reflecting the frustration of local residents.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pakistani drones target Rajasthan, Gujarat, gatherings, movement restricted
Pakistan continued to ratchet up hostilities for the third day and targeted multiple places in Rajasthan and Gujarat with drones on Saturday, prompting authorities to issue advisories and restrict public gatherings and movement in parts of the region. The fresh attacks came even as India hit back on Friday night after repelling strikes at 26 locations along the northwestern frontier as hostilities increased and sparked fears of a full-blown New Delhi-Islamabad conflict. In Rajasthan's Barmer, the drones tried to target critical infrastructure, including the oil fields in Nagana, Uttarlai airbase, Rajwest power plant, Jassai, and Jalipa military station from 9:00pm (Friday) to 5:15am on Saturday. Officials said the drones were successfully intercepted and destroyed mid-air within Barmer's seven–eight km radius. The Uttarlai airbase was also targeted on Wednesday. District collector Tina Dabi issued an alert around 6.27am citing information about drones. 'Please stay inside your homes.' A red alert was earlier sounded at 9.10pm on Friday, which was revoked at 7.02am on Saturday. Dabi asked all residents to return to their homes and ordered the closure of markets. '...all public movement is to cease with immediate effect.' A blackout was enforced in Barmer on Friday night. Residents were asked to stay indoors. Inverter-powered lights were also turned off in compliance with orders. Alerts and sirens were sounded every 10–15 minutes. The blackout remained in effect until 6am. Sirens blared throughout the night. From 6pm on Friday, Barmer's streets were empty, shops were shuttered, and only security personnel were seen at key checkpoints. The administration urged people not to travel to Barmer. Dabi said all travel plans to Barmer must be suspended due to heightened national security concerns. The administration called on the public to remain vigilant and strictly follow the issued civil defense protocols. An advisory asked people to be prepared day or night for the possibility of air raids or incoming projectiles. Residents were advised to take immediate shelter in a safe location and remain there until a clearance signal is issued. The advisory said that, in the event of a blackout, complete compliance was mandatory. People were instructed to switch off or cover all lights in homes, offices, and establishments to prevent light leaks, especially after sunset. 'Only venture outside in extreme emergencies, and minimise all outdoor activities during nighttime hours.' The advisory said essential information will be shared via WhatsApp messages, public announcements, and other communication channels. 'Residents are requested to take all such messages seriously and help circulate them responsibly.' The advisory asked people to remain indoors whenever possible, avoid crowded areas, and refrain from organising or participating in group gatherings. It said if anyone comes across a suspicious item, such as an object resembling a bomb, drone, or weapon, they must not approach, touch, or attempt to photograph or film it. 'Instead, they should immediately inform local authorities or the police and maintain a safe distance.' The advisory asked the public to ignore and not forward rumours or unverified news. 'Any panic-inducing behaviour or misinformation could disrupt emergency responses and harm public morale.' Drone sightings and interceptions were also reported in Rajasthan's Ramgarh, Jaisalmer, and Pokhran. In Rajasthan's Balotra district, residents of Jagaram Ki Dhani reported a missile-like object crashing from the sky with a deafening explosion. Police and military authorities were probing into the matter. In Jaisalmer, drone debris was reported after a blast at dawn in Mangliyon Ki Dhani. Pakistan launched drone attacks for the second night on Pokhran. The first drone was spotted at 8:15pm, followed by two more at 8:25pm and 9:00pm. The air defense systems destroyed the drones. The attack scene was under blackout since 6pm, and local markets were deserted. Markets were closed as a precautionary measure in Jaisalmer as police appealed to the public not to gather in public places. The authorities urged people to cooperate, especially in maintaining security arrangements. It requested all residents to keep their lights off, avoid going outside unless necessary, and not gather in groups. The instructions followed drone incursions and explosions. A red alert was issued in Sri Ganganagar as authorities appealed to residents to comply with instructions and cooperate. A complete lockdown was in effect. People were advised to stay indoors and not step outside under any circumstances. A 26-year-old man, Jiyaram, was arrested in Barmer for circulating a video of Indian Army movements on social media, in violation of orders against sharing sensitive content. Police superintendent Narendra Singh Meena said Jiyaram was booked under the Indian Civil Defence Code for unauthorised dissemination of sensitive military activity. Meena said the police were closely monitoring social media activities. 'People are strictly advised against capturing or sharing any photos or videos related to the movement of the Indian Army on any social media platform. Such actions are a violation, and strict legal action will be taken against those involved.' There were reports of drone attacks in Gujarat's Bhuj. The Indian armed forces successfully neutralised the threat. On Saturday morning, authorities in Bhuj directed residents to stay indoors and refrain from venturing outside. People planning to visit Bhuj have been advised to avoid the area. Reports said people were turned back en route to Bhuj. In Gujarat, Pakistani drones were also sighted in Banaskantha on Saturday morning. A blackout was imposed in Kutch and border villages in Banaskantha and Patan on Friday night. On Thursday, Pakistan targeted 36 locations inside India with 300 to 400 Turkish-origin armed drones and used civilian airliners as a shield to attack military sites. India retaliated and struck Pakistan's air defence systems at four places and destroyed one of them. The Pakistani drone strikes on military sites on Friday night were the third wave of attacks since India's Operation Sindoor struck nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on Wednesday in response to the killing of 25 tourists and a resident in the Pahalgam terror attack last month. On Wednesday night, India thwarted Pakistani attacks on 15 places. India repelled attacks at 36 locations on Thursday night. India has launched a swift counter-attack, inflicting damage on Pakistani air defence systems. The escalations are the worst face-off between the two countries in decades.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Time of India
‘Stay indoors, avoid public places': Red alert in Rajasthan's Barmer as India-Pakistan tensions escalate
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan's Barmer district has been placed under a high red alert amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor , with authorities urging residents to remain Collector Tina Dabi issued an urgent advisory Saturday morning, restricting public movement and closing markets across the district. 'Everyone is directed to go to their house. There is a high red alert in the district. Don't go out in markets or public places,' Dabi alert comes hours after residents of Baldev Nagar, near Uttarlai Air Force Station and Jalipa Military Station, reported loud sounds around 5:15 am, followed by the discovery of debris from unidentified projectiles. The fragments, suspected to be from drones or missiles launched from across the border, are being examined by security agencies.A similar incident was reported in Mughlani Kot village in Punjab's Amritsar, where villagers found debris after hearing a loud explosion early in the morning. 'It happened at 5 am; afterwards, I came to know about the blast. No one is injured,' said village sarpanch Gursahib forces across the region remain on high alert, even as Indian strikes hit four airbases in Pakistan in the early hours of Saturday. Sources said India retaliated after Pakistan attempted coordinated drone and missile attacks on 26 locations across the firing continues along the Line of Control.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Rajasthan: Barmer on red alert amid India-Pak tensions; advisory issued
Barmer: A high-level red alert was issued in Rajasthan's Barmer at 10am on Saturday, as escalating tensions between India and Pakistan entered the fourth day. Authorities ordered immediate closure of all markets and instructed residents to return home and stay off the roads. District collector and civil defence controller Tina Dabi issued the high-alert directive, stating: 'All residents are ordered to immediately return to their homes. Markets must be closed, and all public movement is to cease with immediate effect. Authorities have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of these orders. This is an urgent notice.' Earlier in the day, at 5am, another red alert was issued after drone attacks were reportedly launched from across the Pakistani border. However, Indian defence systems successfully intercepted and neutralised the threats. A complete blackout remained in effect until 6am, lasting nearly 12 hours. The city had plunged into darkness, with movement slowly resumed after sunrise. A third red alert was sounded at 5.30am and remained in effect until 7.09am, with sirens blaring continuously. Security agencies remained on high alert throughout. During the blackout, sirens echoed throughout the night. Police were stationed across the city, maintaining strict vigilance. From 6pm on Friday, Barmer's streets emptied, shops shut down, and only security personnel were seen at key checkpoints. Residents cooperated fully, turning off all lights—even inverter-powered ones—and staying indoors as directed. The attacks began Thursday night, targeting Ramgarh, Jaisalmer, and Pokhran, with Barmer joining the list of targets on Friday. With drone threats reportedly intercepted earlier in the morning and multiple air raid siren conducted throughout the day, residents in Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Sri Ganganagar were ordered to stay indoors and markets were shut. In view of the high-red alert in Barmer, the district administration has issued a strict advisory, urging all residents from villages and nearby towns not to travel towards Barmer city. The advisory was released by Dabi includes: Air raid and incoming projectile response: Citizens must be prepared at all times—day or night—for the possibility of air raids or incoming projectiles. Upon hearing sirens or official alerts, residents are advised to take immediate shelter in a safe location and remain there until a clearance signal is issued. Blackout protocols: In the event of a declared blackout, complete compliance is mandatory. Citizens are instructed to switch off or cover all lights in homes, offices, and establishments to prevent light leaks, especially after sunset. Only venture outside in extreme emergencies, and minimise all outdoor activities during nighttime hours. Information dissemination: Essential information will be shared via WhatsApp messages, public announcements, and other communication channels. Residents are requested to take all such messages seriously and help circulate them responsibly. Avoid public gatherings: People should remain indoors whenever possible, avoid crowded areas, and refrain from organizing or participating in group gatherings, even under normal circumstances. Suspicious object alert: If any citizen comes across a suspicious item—such as an object resembling a bomb, drone, or weapon—they must not approach, touch, or attempt to photograph or film it. Instead, they should immediately inform local authorities or the police and maintain a safe distance. Fake news and panic: The public has been strongly advised to ignore and not forward rumors or unverified news. Any panic-inducing behaviour or misinformation could disrupt emergency responses and harm public morale.
