Drone Alert Triggers Night-Time Precautions Across Border Areas
Jaipur, May 12 – A complete blackout was enforced in Rajasthan’s border districts on Sunday night following the recent suspension of hostilities between India and Pakistan. The precautionary measure came amid heightened tensions and unverified drone sightings, particularly over Barmer.
Local authorities in Barmer issued a public alert on social media platform X warning, "Incoming drone activity spotted. Please stay inside your houses and observe blackout: DM Barmer." The administration, however, dismissed claims circulating online about a drone being shot down, calling them factually incorrect.
District-Wide Blackouts as a Safety Protocol
The blackout schedule varied across the state’s western frontier districts:- Jaisalmer: 7:30 pm to 6 am
- Bikaner: 7 pm to 5 am
- Ganganagar: 7 pm until sunrise
- Barmer: 8 pm to 6 am
Jodhpur, while geographically close, was spared the blackout.
By Monday morning, a semblance of normalcy had returned, with residents seen resuming daily activities. Locals gathered at tea stalls and markets, engaging in routine conversations. “Things appear to be as usual now. Last night was peaceful,” said Jalam Singh, a resident of Jaisalmer.
Educational Institutions Remain Shut
Despite the easing of tension, all schools, colleges, and coaching institutes in the border zones remained closed as a precaution.A senior official from the state home department stated, “Security forces are alert and all arrangements to face any situation in the wake of the tension between India and Pakistan are in place across all districts.”
Ceasefire Agreement and DGMO Talks
The blackout followed a ceasefire understanding reached between New Delhi and Islamabad on Saturday, after four days of cross-border drone and missile activity. As part of the de-escalation, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks between the two nations are scheduled for Monday.The situation remains under close watch as the region's authorities and security forces maintain high vigilance.