Sirens echo across Jammu as ‘blasts’ trigger blackout; CM Omar posts urgent advisory on social media
Jammu, May 9: Pakistani drones were sighted in the Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot sectors on Friday, according to defence sources. Red streaks were visible and explosions were heard in the Samba sector of Jammu as India’s Air Defence intercepted multiple Pakistani drones amid a precautionary blackout.
A complete blackout has been enforced in several areas due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The affected regions include Akhnoor and Udhampur in Jammu & Kashmir; Ambala and Panchkula in Haryana; Firozpur in Punjab; and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The blackout measures are aimed at minimizing visibility for hostile surveillance and potential strikes. Pakistan has once again violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control.
Jammu city plunged into darkness late on Friday evening after a series of blasts were heard across the region, prompting authorities to sound emergency alarms and urge citizens to stay indoors.
Officials confirmed that the blasts were likely the result of cross-border shelling by Pakistan, a retaliatory move that has raised tensions along the border and sent shockwaves through civilian areas in Jammu.
As panic spread, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to the social media platform X to confirm the situation and issue an urgent advisory to residents.
“Intermittent sounds of blasts, probably heavy artillery, can now be heard from where I am,” Abdullah posted on X.
He also shared a haunting image of Jammu city engulfed in darkness, with a caption that quickly went viral:
“Blackout in Jammu now. Sirens can be heard across the city.”
In a direct appeal to the public, the Chief Minister called for calm and vigilance:
“It’s my earnest appeal to everyone in and around Jammu, please stay off the streets, stay at home or at the nearest place you can comfortably stay at for the next few hours. Ignore rumours, don’t spread unsubstantiated or unverified stories, and we will get through this together.”
