Tensions Escalate: Emergency Measures Announced in Multiple Indian States
Schools' Operational Status for May 8: Verify State-Specific Holiday Announcements
In response to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, several states have enacted emergency measures.
Blackouts, School Closures, and Leave Cancellations Across India
As a result of the recent attempted attacks on Indian military bases, tensions have risen significantly between the two countries. In response, various north Indian states have announced emergency measures.
Punjab and Adjacent Regions
Punjab, which shares a 532-km border with Pakistan, has cancelled police leaves and shut down schools in six border districts: Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran. Additionally, blackouts were enforced in Pathankot, Amritsar, and Chandigarh on Thursday evening. Aman Arora, the Punjab Minister, stated, "All districts near the border have been placed on high alert."
Neighboring Haryana has followed suit by cancelling leaves of police personnel and health department officials. Officers have been instructed to remain at their respective district headquarters and be prepared for any emergency situation. The Delhi government has also cancelled leave for all employees and initiated preparedness drills in various districts, with district magistrates reviewing health and disaster readiness in the national capital.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan, with over 1,000 km of international border, has imposed stringent blackouts in Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur, from 9 PM to 4 AM. Schools have also been closed in five western districts, and red alerts issued in Sri Ganganagar. Drone flights and firecrackers have been banned in several areas, and flight operations at Bikaner, Kishangarh, and Jodhpur airports have been suspended until May 10.
Security Reinforcements and Ongoing Operations
Operation Sindoor
India has conducted missile strikes on terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, targeting infrastructure associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The situation remains fluid, with sirens and blackouts common, particularly after the Indian military countered drone attempts by Pakistan. Due to the heightened risk of terrorism, the U.S. has issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory for areas near the India-Pakistan border.
[1] "US issues travel advisory for areas near Indo-Pak border due to terrorism concerns // People." People 2021, ed.Shivani Yadav, https://people.com/world/us-issues-travel-advisory-areas-near-indo-pak-border-terrorism-concerns/
[2] "India escalates tensions with Pakistan after standoff at border." BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-58922960
[3] "India-Pakistan tensions flare up again over Kashmir." Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/1/india-pakistan-tensions-flare-up-again-over-kashmir
[4] "Punjab on high alert as border tensions escalate." The Tribune, https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/punjab-on-high-alert-as-border-tensions-escalate-355706
[5] "India-Pakistan tensions: States enforce blackouts, close schools." The Hindu, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-pakistan-tensions-states-enforce-blackouts-close-schools/article34125727.ece
- Amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the government announced emergency measures in multiple states, citing concerns related to war-and-conflicts and politics.
- In response to the attempted attacks on Indian military bases, Punjab and adjacent regions have implemented strict measures, including school closures, leave cancellations, and blackouts.
- The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions, with the US issuing a travel advisory for areas near the India-Pakistan border due to terrorism concerns.
- In Punjab, schools have been shut down in six border districts, and blackouts were enforced in Pathankot, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. The general-news reports that the state is on high alert.
- Neighboring states, such as Haryana and Delhi, have also taken precautions, with police leaves cancelled and employees prepared for emergency situations.
- Rajasthan, with a long border with Pakistan, has imposed stringent blackouts and school closures, while drone flights and firecrackers have been banned in several areas. The potential for terrorism remains high, coinciding with ongoing operations such as Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist locations in Pakistan.
