JAMMU, India — Heightened tensions between India and Pakistan escalated over the weekend as explosions were reported in multiple locations across India, with loud blasts heard in cities such as Jammu, Srinagar, and Udhampur. The incidents coincided with claims from Pakistan that Indian missiles targeted its airbases.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the temporary closure of 32 airports across India, effective until May 15, in response to the ongoing security concerns. This includes significant airports in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, which will remain closed to civil aviation operations for the foreseeable future.
As night fell on Friday, Indian defense forces took action against a new wave of drone assaults believed to have originated from Pakistan. Reports indicated that several districts in Punjab experienced power disruptions, compounding fears of safety among residents.
In one troubling incident, three individuals were injured in Ferozepur following a fire triggered by debris from a disrupted drone. The local response underscored the public’s growing anxiety, with many residents calling for heightened security measures in light of the recent violence.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned what he described as provocations from Islamabad, warning that such actions targeted both urban centers and military installations. He emphasized that the Indian military’s response was both measured and responsible. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level security meeting with key defense leaders to address the situation.
The hostilities are rooted in ongoing tensions stemming from a prior terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. In retaliation, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” which reportedly targeted nine militant camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, significantly raising the stakes in the region.
International responses have gravitated toward calls for de-escalation. A statement from G7 foreign ministers condemned the Pahalgam attack and urged both nations to exercise restraint while advocating for a return to diplomatic dialogue.
Adding complexity to the situation, the United States has refrained from involvement, emphasizing that the conflict is not within its purview but expressing hope for a peaceful resolution.
In Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the State Emergency Operation Center to assess the readiness of security agencies and local governments to handle potential emergencies. His visit reflects the broader efforts to ensure the safety of residents amid escalating unrest.
With air sirens blaring in Jammu and troubling reports of continued shelling, the atmosphere remains tense. As both countries navigate this precarious situation, the stakes for regional stability are higher than ever, leaving citizens on both sides anxious about their safety and future.