Border districts resume normalcy; residents express relief and gratitude
Chandigarh, May 11 – Calm prevailed across Punjab, especially in its sensitive border regions, on Sunday morning following a mutual understanding between India and Pakistan to halt all military actions across land, air, and sea. Authorities confirmed that the situation is stable and encouraged people to resume their normal routines.Resumption of Normal Activities in Border Districts
At around 8:30 AM, the Amritsar district administration formally advised residents to return to their daily activities. In Jalandhar, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal stated, “All is well here in Jalandhar. According to the information received, there is nothing to worry and work may resume as usual. Forces are on a constant vigil.”However, the district administrations have requested citizens to refrain from bursting firecrackers or flying drones as a precautionary measure. Authorities in Sangrur also urged the public not to believe or spread any rumours and to stay calm.
Public Relief and Support for Armed Forces
In Punjab, which shares a 553-kilometre border with Pakistan, people were visibly relieved. Morning walkers in Amritsar, Pathankot, and Ferozepur expressed gratitude to the armed forces for ensuring their safety amid recent hostilities.Amarjit Singh from Amritsar said, “It is because of our forces that you see us here today without any fear. They thwarted Pakistan’s drone attacks and destroyed terror camps under Operation Sindoor. If Pakistan dares again, they’ll face a stern response.”
Another local, Pawan Kumar, noted that while Amritsar saw a decline in tourist footfall due to the tensions, the ceasefire agreement has brought hope for peace.
Simran, a resident of Pathankot, echoed this sentiment, saying, “There was anxiety over the last few days, but we were confident in our armed forces. This understanding has brought a big sigh of relief.”
In Ferozepur, elderly citizens resumed their morning walks after staying indoors. A walker from Ludhiana commented, “War only brings destruction and economic setbacks. But if needed, India will strike back hard. We stand by our country’s zero-tolerance policy on terror.”
In Chandigarh and Panchkula, morning discussions revolved around the situation and its recent de-escalation.
Blackout Measures Lifted After Ceasefire
On Saturday evening, Punjab had reimposed blackout measures in several districts, including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga, Kapurthala, and Muktsar, after Pakistan reportedly violated ceasefire terms. These restrictions have since been lifted following reaffirmation of the agreement.Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during a media briefing, urged Pakistan to treat the ceasefire violations with “seriousness and responsibility.” He confirmed that Indian armed forces have been instructed to respond firmly to any further breach of the agreement along the International Border and the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
The agreement to halt all military activities was reached by the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries and took effect from 5 PM on Saturday.