Chandigarh Remains on Edge Following Renewed Air Raid Sirens Amidst Border Tensions
Chandigarh, India – May 9, 2025 – For the second consecutive day, residents of Chandigarh are facing heightened security concerns as air raid sirens were activated this morning, prompting an advisory for civilians to stay indoors. This latest alert follows a tense night marked by reported missile and drone attacks originating from Pakistan, targeting regions within Jammu and Kashmir, along with incidents of shelling in Pathankot, Punjab. As a precautionary measure, a blackout was also enforced in Chandigarh during the previous evening.
The air raid warning sounded in Chandigarh early Friday arose from an alert issued by the local Air Force station, indicating a potential threat of a drone attack. This development unfolds in the immediate aftermath of multiple drone and missile launches by Pakistan on Thursday night, aimed at various border districts. Fortunately, India’s robust defense systems successfully intercepted these aerial threats mid-air, preventing any significant damage within Indian territory.
The repercussions of the overnight incidents extended beyond the immediate border regions. Widespread blackouts were implemented across multiple areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Punjab following reports of explosions heard in several districts. The cross-border shelling in Kashmir proved particularly devastating, tragically resulting in the death of a woman and leaving four other civilians injured. The intense artillery fire across the Line of Control also inflicted damage on a significant number of residential properties in the affected areas. The deceased woman was reportedly traveling in a vehicle that was struck by a shell fired from the Pakistani side, resulting in her immediate death and injuries to three of her family members. Separately, another civilian sustained injuries when a shell struck Thajal village in the Uri sector.
In response to the escalating tensions, diplomatic efforts are underway. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged in direct communication with key leaders from both nations, speaking with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Secretary Rubio conveyed the urgent need for immediate de-escalation of the prevailing situation and reiterated his calls for Islamabad to take “concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups.” Simultaneously, in his conversation with Mr. Jaishankar, the US Secretary of State emphasized the importance of de-escalation between India and Pakistan.
Meanwhile, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, took to social media platform X to comment on the situation. He stated, “Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism. Underlined India’s targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation.” This statement underscores India’s commitment to addressing cross-border terrorism while also signaling a measured approach to the current crisis. Authorities in Chandigarh continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories.#IndiaPakistanTensions #ChandigarhAlert #KashmirShelling #USDiplomacy #BreakingNews