The Punjab government has chosen to send ten cabinet ministers to the border regions as a confidence-boosting gesture in light of the increased tensions between India and Pakistan.

Ten of his Cabinet colleagues would remain in the border regions to maintain the people’s morale and make sure they don’t encounter any challenges, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann told the reporters at an emergency meeting he convened at his home here on Friday.

The installation of nine cutting-edge anti-drone systems along the state’s 550-kilometer international border with Pakistan was also authorised by the Cabinet. “We must take all necessary steps to guarantee the safety and security of our people,” he said.

On Friday morning, however, Chandigarh and Patiala both sounded their new air raid sirens. Shops and other business enterprises in Punjab and Haryana’s joint capital, Chandigarh, will not open after 7 p.m. on Friday. Medical stores will operate normally.

The Air Force station has issued an air alert about a potential assault. There are sirens blaring. Everyone is encouraged to stay indoors and away from balconies, according to a formal statement released by the UT Administration.