As the tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, the Indian Armed Forces successfully intercepted Pakistani drones in Pathankot, Jammu, Rajouri, Jaisalmer and Pokhran on Friday evening, May 9. The blasts were heard across the city amid the blackout, creating panic among residents.

In Srinagar, mosque loudspeakers urged residents to switch off their lights for safety. The incident comes amid continued shelling by Pakistan, days after India carried out strikes on terror hideouts under Operation Sindoor.

The chief minister, Omar Abdullah, posted on X alongside a photo showing the city in blackout. He captioned the image: “Blackout in Jammu now. Sirens can be heard across the city.”

Shelling has been reported in Uri and Kupwara, while firing has been reported on the Jaisalmer border. A night earlier, India thwarted an infiltration bid in Jammu’s Samba, killing at least seven terrorists and causing extensive damage to the Pakistan Post Dhandhar, reported ANI.

In his message, the chief minister urged calm and caution: “It’s my earnest appeal to everyone in & 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 & we will get through this together.”

At least 24 airports in northern and western parts of the country, including Srinagar and Chandigarh, have been shut for civilian flights till May 15, 05:29 hours. The airports include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Dharamsala, and Bathinda.

Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Leh, Bikaner, Pathankot, Jammu, Jamnagar, and Bhuj are among the other airports that have been temporarily closed for civilian flights.