Jammu: Thursday’s skirmishes between India and Pakistan began with sounds resembling blasts, which caused panic in Jammu city as security forces detected drones near the heavily-guarded airport in Jammu, officials said.
It was not immediately known whether the airport, which also houses an Indian Air Force station, is under attack. Jammu plunged into darkness with electricity snapped soon after two powerful explosions were heard in the vicinity of the airport.
The Indian military on Thursday, May 8, stated that Pakistan drone attacks were effectively engaged by Indian armed forces. “Pakistan attempted to hit various locations along India’s western borders with drones and missiles on Thursday night but it could not succeed,” military officials said.
Pakistan attempted to target military stations in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur, they said.
The Indian army also confirmed that military stations were targeted. However, there was no damage or loss.
“News reports with respect to suicide attacks by terrorists at Pathankot or Rajouri are completely false,” clarified military officials.
According to some witnesses, one of the drones was seen dropping outside the airport. However, no official confirmation has been received on the same. Sounds resembling loud blasts were also reported by locals in Anantnag.
Blackout in parts of Rajasthan, Punjab
Several parts of Rajasthan and Punjab also plunged into darkness as India intercepted missiles and drones allegedly launched by Pakistan.
Jodhpur, Barmer, and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan plunged into darkness as India’s defence systems intercepted attacks.
Sirens were also heard in Chandigarh and Mohali.
A blackout was enforced in several districts including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali in Punjab and Union Territory Chandigarh on Thursday evening, officials said.
The move comes amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan.
In Pathankot district, some locals claimed they heard an explosion-like sound. However, there was no official confirmation in this regard.
Air raid warning sirens have been activated in Pathankot, where the blackout was enforced around 8:30 pm.
Authorities have appealed to people to keep their lights switched off and stay at home.
However, the district authorities said there was no need to panic.
Tensions escalated after Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke, in retaliation for the terror attack in Pahalgam.
(With inputs from PTI)
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