Blackout in Punjab and Drone Alerts in Jalandhar
On the night of May 8, 2025, a blackout was enforced in several districts of Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The outage covered areas like Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Rupnagar, Fazilka, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar.
This move came as a precaution due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after India reportedly carried out attacks on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
In Jalandhar, drones were spotted and neutralized by security forces around 11:20 p.m., according to official sources.
Pathankot on High Alert Amid Explosion Sounds
In Pathankot, some residents heard explosion-like noises, and air raid sirens were activated around 8:30 p.m. Locals said the sirens and loud sounds were frightening. However, there was no official confirmation about any explosions.
Pathankot Deputy Commissioner Aditya Uppal advised everyone to stay indoors and follow the blackout rules. Authorities also told people not to panic and to switch their lights off.
No-Fly Zone Declared in Mohali (SAS Nagar)
The district administration in Mohali (Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar) announced a No-Flying Zone for drones and UAVs from May 8 to July 5, 2025. This rule was issued under the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, by District Magistrate Komal Mittal.
However, this rule does not apply to police, paramilitary forces, the Air Force, SPG, or anyone authorized by the government.
Punjab on Alert with Schools Closed and Police Leaves Cancelled
Punjab is now on high alert. Schools in the border districts have been closed, and all police leave has been cancelled to ensure maximum security.
