Precautionary Blackouts Continue In Rajasthan, Punjab’s Border Areas Day After Pak Ceasefire Violations: WATCH
Blackout measures reimposed in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, Barmer and other border areas as well as Punjab's Pathankot and Hoshiarpur following Pakistan’s violation of a military understanding with India.
Blackout measures were reimposed in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, Barmer and other border areas on Sunday night following Pakistan’s violation of a military understanding with India the previous night, which had brought a brief respite after four days of confrontation.
According to PTI, the blackout began in Barmer at 8 pm, and in Jaisalmer at 7:30 pm. The decision came hours after the ceasefire understanding was breached, reportedly triggering panic in the region. Residents in Barmer reported sighting red lights in the sky, suspected to be drones, although there was no official confirmation. Security forces remain on alert.
VIDEO | Blackout imposed in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer as a precautionary measure.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 11, 2025
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VIDEO | Blackout in Rajasthan's Barmer. More details are awaited.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 11, 2025
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Markets had reopened, and normalcy was returning after Saturday’s announcement of the understanding between the two countries. North Western Railway (NWR) also resumed train services that were cancelled or partially cancelled on Saturday due to the prevailing tensions. A total of 16 cancelled and 11 partially cancelled trains were restored.
VIDEO | Blackout in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar. More details are awaited.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 11, 2025
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Drone activity, in violation of the ceasefire, was observed again on Sunday night, prompting renewed blackouts. “Drone activity was spotted in the sky, which was a clear violation of the military understanding arrived at on Saturday,” Jaisalmer resident Revant Singh told PTI.
Earlier, on Thursday and Friday nights, Jaisalmer and Barmer had witnessed drone attacks from Pakistan. Indian defence forces successfully intercepted and destroyed the drones mid-air, preventing casualties or damage. Debris from drones and missile-like objects was recovered from multiple locations on Saturday.
Tarendra Singh, a resident of Jhinjhinyali village in Fatehgarh, located near the border, told PTI: “There was news about the understanding in the evening, and markets reopened. But around 9 pm, drones were spotted in the sky again. We heard explosions, although the activity was less intense than the previous night.” He added that shops have reopened and activities are back to normal.
In Barmer’s Burtiya village, drone debris was found on Sunday, while drone activity was also reported from Anupgarh and Ganganagar, PTI reported.
Meanwhile, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat held a meeting with officials in Jodhpur to assess the situation. He was briefed on the preparatory measures and directed officials to maintain vigilance.
Precautionary Blackout In Punjab's Pathankot And Hoshiarpur
In Punjab, a precautionary blackout was enforced in Pathkot a day after blackouts were also enforced in multiple border districts including Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Patiala, Moga, Kapurthala, and Muktsar. The measures followed Pakistan’s breach of the ceasefire agreement announced on Saturday.
Watch: A precautionary blackout has been enforced in Pathankot, Punjab
— IANS (@ians_india) May 11, 2025
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A siren was heard, also followed by a blackout in Hoshiarpur.
VIDEO | Punjab: Siren heard followed by blackout in Hoshiarpur.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 11, 2025
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Punjab authorities had initially withdrawn blackout measures following the ceasefire, but reinstated them amid fresh violations. “Since there are reports of ceasefire violation, we will remain on alert today. We will observe a blackout if and when needed. I advise all kindly be prepared for enforcement of blackout if the need arises and be at home. Please do not indulge in bursting of firecrackers. We have done this drill several times, so please do not panic. This is by way of abundant caution,” Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahwney said.
According to district authorities in Hoshiarpur, a blackout was imposed at 8:50 pm on Saturday along with an air raid siren. “Lights off as a measure of abundant precaution. Please cooperate,” read a message from officials.
In Ferozepur, the blackout started at 8:40 pm and continued till 10:30 pm on Saturday. “Do not need to panic,” urged the district administration. Fazilka and Rupnagar also imposed similar measures from 9:30 pm, with Rupnagar’s blackout scheduled to last till 5:30 am.
Ludhiana authorities also issued a precautionary advisory the previous day. “In view of the change in circumstances, all members of the public are requested to stay indoors and must go for voluntary blackout wherever is possible. There is no major cause of concern but voluntary blackout must be ensured as a matter of abundant precaution,” said the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner.
Both Rajasthan and Punjab remain on heightened alert amid ongoing tensions and repeated ceasefire violations.
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