Armed Forces Engage Suspected Drones in Samba and Jalandhar; Situation Now Under Control
Jammu/Chandigarh, May 12 — Suspected drone activity late Monday evening along the International Border in Jammu's Samba district and Punjab's Jalandhar district prompted swift action from security forces and triggered precautionary blackouts in several regions. The Indian Army later confirmed that the situation was calm and fully under control.“No enemy drones are being reported at present,” the army said in a late-night statement.
Drones Spotted Hours After PM Modi’s Address
The sightings came just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first national address following Operation Sindoor and high-level military talks between India and Pakistan’s Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs). The army initially reported that a small number of suspected drones had been observed near Samba and were being engaged by security forces. Authorities urged the public not to panic.Blackouts in Jammu, Vaishno Devi Shrine Area
In response to the suspected drone presence, several areas in Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Jammu experienced blackouts. Notably, lights at the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine and along its pilgrimage track were turned off as a preventive measure, according to sources.The drone activity comes amid ongoing tensions stemming from recent hostilities between India and Pakistan, which originated in Kupwara and Baramulla districts and spread to Rajouri, Poonch, Akhnoor, and the Pargwal sector. These clashes have further weakened the February 2021 ceasefire agreement, already under strain due to frequent violations by Pakistan along the 740-kilometre Line of Control (LoC).
Surveillance Drone Neutralised in Jalandhar
In Punjab, a suspected surveillance drone was neutralised near Mand village in Jalandhar around 9:20 PM. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal confirmed that an expert team had been deployed to locate the debris and urged residents to report any drone remnants to nearby police stations.“No drone activity has been reported since 10 PM,” Aggarwal said, advising people to stay calm and avoid celebratory firecrackers, which had been reported in some areas. Blackouts were also enforced in parts of Suranassi, Amritsar, and Hoshiarpur districts.
Flight Diversions Due to Blackout
Sources revealed that an Amritsar-bound IndiGo flight had to return to Delhi after blackout measures temporarily shut down Amritsar airport.Ceasefire Agreement Reaffirmed Amid Tension
India and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment on May 10 to cease all military operations across land, air, and sea, following four days of intense drone and missile strikes. This recent development briefly brought both nations to the brink of a full-scale conflict.Punjab shares a 553-kilometre border with Pakistan, making it a critical frontline for surveillance and security enforcement.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with armed forces maintaining high alert across sensitive border zones.
