Air Raid Sirens Sound in Chandigarh, Patiala Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Air raid sirens blared across Chandigarh and Patiala on Friday morning, as tensions escalated between India and Pakistan. The alert was issued just hours after India successfully intercepted a missile and drone attack launched by Pakistan targeting three military bases.

Chandigarh’s Deputy Commissioner, Nishant Kumar Yadav, urged residents to stay indoors and avoid balconies.
“An air warning has been received from the Air Force station regarding a possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and away from open areas,” the advisory read.

Patiala district officials echoed the caution, advising citizens to remain calm and avoid unnecessary movement. All educational institutions in the district have been closed until further notice.
“All residents of District Patiala are requested to stay indoors and remain calm. Please step out only if absolutely necessary,” the Patiala Deputy Commissioner stated.

Punjab Enforces Emergency Measures

The Punjab government announced a three-day closure of all educational institutions and suspended all police leaves. In addition, district authorities in Tarn Taran and Fazilka imposed a ban on firecracker use during weddings and other events as a precautionary measure. A control room has also been set up to assist the public.

In Chandigarh — the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana — all schools have been shut till Saturday.

Tensions Along the LoC Escalate

These developments followed India’s military action against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. In response, Pakistan intensified unprovoked firing along the Line of Control, deploying mortars and heavy artillery in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. The cross-border shelling has claimed 16 lives so far.