Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, a major infiltration bid by suspected terrorists was foiled by the BSF (Border Security Force) along the International Border (IB) in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir at around 11.00 pm yesterday, 8 May. It was not immediately clear whether any infiltrator was hit by the firing. Things will become clearer after a thorough search in the area in the morning, officials said.
For a large part of last night, Pakistan launched multiple drones and missiles targeting border districts, with India’s defence system intercepting them mid-air. Blackouts were imposed in large parts of J&K, Rajasthan and Punjab, and some parts of Gujarat, after explosions were heard in some districts.
Catch all of yesterday's updates in our
Govt dismisses claims of suicide attack on Army brigade in Rajouri as fake newsThe government today dismissed claims of a suicide attack on an Army brigade in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and a drone attack in Punjab's Jalandhar by certain social media handles as "fake news".
The Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check Unit found that there was no fidayeen or suicide attack on any Army cantonment in Jammu and Kashmir, while the video claiming to be that of a drone attack in Jalandhar pertained to a farm fire.
It also found that an old video shared on social media claiming to be of Pakistan's missile attack on India was actually of an explosive attack that took place in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2020.
"A barrage of coordinated disinformation has been carried out by certain social media handles in general and mainstream media in particular in Pakistan with the sole objective to instill fear among the Indian masses," a PIB statement said.
The PIB Fact Check Unit also said that a video of an explosion on an oil tanker dating back to 7 July 2021 was passed off as an attack on the Hazira Port in Gujarat.
The claims on social media about attacks on certain Indian targets peaked as India on Thursday thwarted Pakistan's attempts to target its military sites, including in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur, Uttarlai and Bhuj, with drones and missiles as tensions soared between the two countries amid fears of a wider military conflict.
On its X handle, the Indian Army posted a brief clip of a drone being intercepted and wrote, ”Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along entire Western Border on the intervening night of 08 and 09 May 2025. Pak troops also resorted to numerous cease fire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and befitting reply was given to the CFVs.”
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah left for Jammu early this morning to take stock of the situation following last night's failed drone attack by Pakistan.
India last night neutralised Pakistan military's attempt to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations with missiles and drones as tensions soared between the two countries amid fears of a wider military conflict.
"Driving to Jammu now to take stock of the situation after last night's failed Pakistani drone attack directed at Jammu city & other parts of the division," Abdullah said in a post on X.
He also said the government will review the decision to shut schools on Monday. The situation at the time will determine if the closure is extended and, if so, for how long, the chief minister said.
Jammu and Kashmir education minister Sakina Itoo yesterday ordered the closure of schools for the next two days in view of the prevailing situation. Sirens and numerous explosions were reported in Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla and Kupwara and several other places on Thursday night.
Appearing in a television interview on Thursday, US vice-president J.D. Vance said the United States will not intervene in the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, and repeated his comments about a de-escalation of the standoff.
“We’re not going to get involved in the middle of a war that’s fundamentally none of our business,” Vance said. “We can’t control these countries. Fundamentally, India has its gripes with Pakistan. Pakistan has responded to India. What we can do is try to encourage these folks to de-escalate a little bit.”
Yesterday, US President he was 'friends' with both India and Pakistan and wanted the 'war' to stop. “Good relationships with both and I want to see it stop. And If I can do anything to help, I will be there,” were his exact words.
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Border states step up preparation as tensions escalateRajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat yesterday took precautionary measures, including increased patrolling at the borders, preparing evacuation plans, and cancelling leave of all police personnel.
In Punjab, which shares a 553-km border with Pakistan, seven police districts were asked to maintain strict vigil along the border. Border villages are on high alert, and evacuation plans are in place in case of an emergency. Mock drills have been conducted in several areas.
Punjab Police and the state's health department have cancelled the leave of all its personnel until further notice and asked those on leave to report back to work.
