Chandigarh, May 10 — Punjab reintroduced blackout measures on Saturday night in multiple districts just hours after initially lifting them, following concerns over potential ceasefire violations despite the recent India-Pakistan truce.
Blackouts Return Amid Heightened Alert
Districts including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga, and Muktsar witnessed renewed enforcement of blackout protocols as a precautionary step. The measures were reimposed about two hours after they had been officially withdrawn when the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced earlier in the day.Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, Sakshi Sahwney, urged residents to remain vigilant. "Since there are reports of ceasefire violation, we will remain on alert today," she said. "We will observe a blackout if and when needed. Please do not panic and avoid bursting firecrackers. We have done this drill several times before."
Districts Sound Sirens, Urge Cooperation
At 8:50 pm, the Hoshiarpur district administration imposed a blackout and activated air raid sirens. "Lights off as a measure of abundant precaution. Please cooperate," authorities stated.Ferozepur followed closely with a blackout clamped at 8:40 pm. Officials there also called for public cooperation, stressing there was no need to panic.
In Fazilka, the blackout began at 9:30 pm, and Rupnagar authorities scheduled their blackout from 9:30 pm to 5:30 am.
The Sangrur district administration also declared a blackout window from 9:10 pm to 11:00 pm.
Ludhiana and Other Regions on Standby
In Ludhiana, officials said they may reissue blackout orders depending on the evolving situation. "We are ready and all teams have been put on alert. Our armed forces along with the district administration are closely monitoring developments," said the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner.Ceasefire Declaration Amid Tensions
The reimposition of blackouts came after the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan agreed to halt all military actions—on land, air, and sea—from 5 pm on Saturday. The announcement was made by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Delhi.This agreement followed a day of heightened military tension, where both countries launched retaliatory strikes, escalating fears of a broader conflict.
Punjab's actions reflect ongoing vigilance in border areas, underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the state’s readiness to respond swiftly to any potential threat.