Punjab and Rajasthan on Red Alert: In a significant escalation of security measures following a sharp rise in tensions with neighboring Pakistan, India has declared a red alert in the key border states of Punjab and Rajasthan. This move comes in the wake of recent cross-border military actions and heightened rhetoric from both sides, signaling a state of high preparedness and vigilance in the sensitive border regions.
The decision to elevate the security status in these two states, which share extensive borders with Pakistan, underscores the gravity of the current situation. Authorities are taking no chances as the risk of further military engagement or retaliatory actions remains palpable.
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Punjab Under Tight Security
Punjab and Rajasthan on Red Alert:
Punjab, sharing a 532-kilometer frontier with Pakistan, has witnessed a comprehensive security lockdown in its border districts. The state government has cancelled all public gatherings and official events, emphasizing the need for caution and minimizing potential targets. Educational institutions in the districts of Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran have been ordered to remain closed until further notice, prioritizing the safety of students.
The Punjab Police have been put on high alert, with the leaves of all personnel cancelled to ensure maximum deployment and responsiveness. Border villages are under strict surveillance, and comprehensive evacuation plans are reportedly in place to move residents to safer locations if the situation deteriorates.
Rajasthan Seals Border, Activates Defenses:
Punjab and Rajasthan on Red Alert
The desert state of Rajasthan, sharing a significantly longer 1,037-km border with Pakistan, has implemented even more stringent measures. The entire border has been effectively sealed, with the Border Security Force (BSF) authorized to take decisive action against any suspicious movement.
Adding to the security grid, airports in Kishangarh and Jodhpur have suspended all flight operations until at least May 10th, indicating the airspace’s sensitivity and potential use for military purposes. Schools and anganwadi centers across the border districts of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar will remain closed indefinitely. Similar to Punjab, government employees in these areas have been instructed to stay at their posts, with all leaves cancelled.
A notable security measure in Rajasthan has been the imposition of blackouts in strategic areas, including a four-hour blackout in Jaisalmer on Wednesday night, ostensibly to enhance operational security and preparedness for potential night-time threats.
Nationwide Preparedness:
Following the recent escalation of the India-Pakistan conflict, several states, particularly those bordering Pakistan, have been placed on high alert. These states have implemented various security measures to ensure the safety of their citizens and to be prepared for any potential retaliation. Here’s a list of the states on high alert:
- Punjab: Sharing a 532-kilometer border with Pakistan, Punjab has put its border districts on high alert. All public gatherings, including government events, have been cancelled. Schools in the border districts of Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran are closed. The leaves of all police personnel have been cancelled. Border villages are on high alert, and evacuation plans are in place.
- Rajasthan: With a 1,037-km border with Pakistan, Rajasthan has also issued a high alert. The border has been completely sealed, and the Border Security Force (BSF) has been given “shoot-on-sight” orders for any suspicious activity. Airports in Kishangarh and Jodhpur are closed until May 10th. All government and private schools and anganwadi centers in the border districts of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar are closed until further notice. Government employees in border areas have had their leaves cancelled. A blackout was imposed in Jaisalmer on Thursday night.
- Gujarat: Bordering Pakistan to the west, Gujarat has also heightened security. Civilian flights from Bhuj and Rajkot airports have been suspended for three days, with these airports now serving military aircraft exclusively. Railway stations in Gujarat have also been placed on high alert with intensified security checks.
- Jammu and Kashmir: As the region directly impacted by cross-border firing and the location of the initial terrorist attack, Jammu and Kashmir is under high security alert. A central control room has been established in Srinagar to monitor developments. Leaves of government employees have been cancelled, except under exceptional circumstances. Schools have been shut down in several border districts.
- Uttarakhand: While not directly bordering Pakistan, Uttarakhand has heightened security, especially at religious sites and along its borders, including the one with Nepal, as a precautionary measure.
- Uttar Pradesh: A red alert was reportedly issued in Uttar Pradesh, with police teams asked to coordinate with defense forces and tighten security at key locations.
Additionally, a nationwide civil defense exercise, “Operation Abhyaas,” has been conducted across multiple states and Union Territories to simulate hostile scenarios and enhance preparedness.
Civilian Impact and Government Assurances:
The heightened security measures are undoubtedly impacting the daily lives of residents in the border regions. However, the government maintains that these steps are necessary to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens in the face of escalating tensions. Authorities are urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with security forces while assuring them that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure their safety.
International Concerns:
The international community continues to watch the developments in the India-Pakistan conflict with increasing concern, urging both nations to exercise restraint and seek diplomatic solutions. However, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions and security measures tightening along the border, the immediate future remains fraught with uncertainty. The red alert in Punjab and Rajasthan serves as a stark reminder of the precarious situation and India’s commitment to prioritizing its national security.
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Complete blackout in Gurdaspur from 9pm today as India-Pak tensions escalate
