India and Pakistan are experiencing one of the most intense periods of military tension in recent years, following a series of airstrikes and drone attacks that have pushed both nations to the brink. The trigger for this escalation was India’s launch of "Operation Sindoor," a targeted military operation aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructures across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), in retaliation for the deadly terrorist attack on Indian nationals in Pahalgam.
The attack, which occurred on April 22, claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national. India, citing evidence that the militants responsible for the attack were linked to terrorist groups based in Pakistan, responded by launching an airstrike early on May 7. "Operation Sindoor" targeted several key facilities associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) across both PoK and Pakistan, including strategic locations in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Sialkot. The operation was carried out between 1:05 am and 1:30 am, with a follow-up strike at 1:44 am, and was described by Indian military officials as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory” in an effort to avoid a broader conflict with Pakistan.
STORY | Air siren sounded in Chandigarh
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Pakistan swiftly condemned the airstrikes, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labeling the attacks as an “act of war” and vowing to take firm action in response. Pakistan’s military also issued statements, asserting that they were prepared to defend their sovereignty at any cost. Pakistani authorities claimed that no military installations had been targeted in the airstrikes, and reports emerged of attempts to intercept drones and missiles over Pakistan’s airspace.
As tensions mounted, both countries ramped up their military readiness. The Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan were placed on high alert, with local authorities implementing various precautionary measures, including widespread blackouts in several districts, such as Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali. On the night of May 8, air raid sirens sounded in Chandigarh, warning residents of potential aerial threats. Similarly, blackouts were imposed across western Rajasthan, including areas near the India-Pakistan border, following reports of explosions and the presence of loitering munitions in the skies. This heightened state of vigilance is part of a broader military strategy to prevent escalation, as both countries grapple with the possibility of further strikes and counterattacks.
Reports from Jammu and Kashmir, along with other border regions, indicated heightened military activity. Early on May 9, loud explosions were heard in Jammu city, followed by a total blackout. The area, which had already been the site of skirmishes in the past week, continues to see rising tensions. In addition to the airstrikes, both countries have engaged in missile and drone intercepts over the disputed regions.
In response to these developments, international bodies, including the United States, the European Union, and China, have expressed grave concern over the escalation and have called for both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and resume dialogue to prevent further bloodshed. Human rights groups have also voiced alarm over the civilian impact of the ongoing conflict, as cross-border shelling has resulted in casualties on both sides.
Despite calls for de-escalation, both India and Pakistan remain on high alert, with military operations continuing in the contested regions. As both nations brace for the next steps in this rapidly unfolding crisis, residents in affected areas, especially in Chandigarh news regions, are urged to follow safety guidelines and stay informed through official communications. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further military actions or diplomatic initiatives to diffuse the tensions.
The ongoing conflict highlights the fragile peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbors and underscores the volatility of the region. With both countries on edge, the world watches closely as the standoff unfolds. Chandigarh news coverage continues to report on the developments, with the potential for more updates to follow. Residents and officials alike in the region, especially in Chandigarh news, are monitoring the situation closely, hoping for an end to the rising tensions.