JAMMU, 8 MAY — A sudden and sweeping blackout plunged Jammu city and surrounding areas into darkness on Thursday night, amid reports of missile and drone attacks originating from Pakistan. The developments mark a significant escalation in hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, coming just hours after Pakistan’s foiled attempt to target 15 Indian cities.
Indian defence sources confirmed that eight missiles were fired at border areas in Jammu and Kashmir—including RS Pura, Arnia, Samba and Hiranagar—but were successfully intercepted by Indian Air Defence units. These regions, which house heavy military installations, are currently under intense shelling, according to official statements.
Shortly before 9 p.m. IST, loud explosions were heard across Jammu city, followed by sirens and a citywide power outage. Eyewitness videos shared with The Chenab Times showed bright streaks across the night sky, believed to be interception trails from the Indian defence systems engaging incoming aerial threats.
Cellular networks were disrupted in several parts of the city, complicating communication for residents attempting to contact loved ones amid the unfolding situation.
According to reports, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is reviewing the developments with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the heads of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. “The Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military,” a government communique stated late Thursday.
In a related development, Punjab’s Pathankot district—located 30 kilometres from the International Border—also came under heavy artillery fire from across the border. Pathankot is a key military and logistical hub that serves as the gateway to Jammu.
Blackouts were extended to border regions in Punjab and Rajasthan, including Chandigarh, Mohali, Gurdaspur, and Ferozepur. Authorities in these states implemented the precautionary measure amid fears of further escalation.
The crisis follows Operation Sindoor, a series of Indian precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was launched in retaliation to a deadly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Indian officials have described the strikes as “measured, precise, and non-escalatory.”
Pakistan’s military retaliated early Thursday with an unsuccessful attempt to target defence facilities in 15 Indian cities, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh. Indian forces responded by neutralising Pakistani air defence systems, including those in Lahore, according to military sources.
The situation also disrupted civilian life beyond conflict zones. The Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, was cancelled, and the venue evacuated as a safety measure.
While the Indian government insists it does not seek further escalation, it has maintained that any provocation will be met with proportional force.
(Inputs from various reports)
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The Chenab Times News Desk
