Residents Resume Normal Life Amid Heavy Vigil; Officials Urge Caution on Drones and Firecrackers
Chandigarh, May 11 – A sense of calm prevailed across Punjab’s border areas on Sunday, a day after India and Pakistan reached a mutual understanding to halt all military actions and ceasefire violations on land, air, and sea.
Authorities across border districts including Amritsar, Pathankot, and Ferozepur reassured the public and advised them to resume normal activities, while urging continued vigilance.
Normalcy Restored, Tourists Return
At around 8:30 am, Amritsar district administration issued an advisory encouraging people to resume their daily routines. Similar messages were echoed in Jalandhar, where Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal confirmed, "All is well here in Jalandhar... Forces are on a constant vigil." However, the authorities cautioned residents against flying drones or bursting firecrackers.In Amritsar, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney and Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar inspected city markets to assess the situation firsthand. Sawhney expressed gratitude on X, stating, “We are incredibly proud of how each one of you responded with bravery, patience, and trust.”
Locals acknowledged that tourist footfall in Amritsar had dipped during the period of heightened tensions, but with peace returning, they hoped for a revival in tourism.
Citizens Praise Armed Forces, Hope for Lasting Peace
Morning walkers in border towns praised the armed forces for ensuring public safety during the recent hostilities. “It is because of our forces that you see us here today without fear,” said Amarjit Singh of Amritsar. He credited Operation Sindoor for delivering a strong response to drone attacks and terror activities.Another resident, Pawan Kumar, remarked, “Now, hopefully, peace shall prevail.” Similar sentiments were shared in Pathankot and Ferozepur, where locals expressed relief and optimism following the ceasefire agreement.
An elderly Ferozepur resident, stepping out for a morning walk after days indoors, noted, “Things are back to normal and we hope that peace will prevail.”
Security Still Tight, Ceasefire Being Monitored
While life returned to normal, security forces continue to maintain high alert. Earlier measures like blackout protocols had been implemented in sensitive districts including Hoshiarpur, Fazilka, and Pathankot, but those restrictions have now eased.In a press briefing on Saturday night, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on Pakistan to address ceasefire violations seriously. He emphasized that the Indian armed forces remain under instructions to respond firmly to any future breaches along the International Border and the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ceasefire agreement came after the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations agreed to halt all military activity starting 5 pm Saturday.
Citizens Cautiously Optimistic
Across cities including Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Panchkula, the mood was cautiously optimistic. “Nobody wants a war as it only brings destruction,” said a Ludhiana resident, “but if provoked, India will respond strongly.”Residents and officials alike hope that this ceasefire understanding will pave the way for lasting peace along the border and beyond.
