On late Monday, suspected enemy drone activity was reported in the border regions of Samba in Jammu & Kashmir and Jalandhar in Punjab, triggering security alerts and precautionary blackouts across several sensitive districts. However, hours later, the Indian Army confirmed the situation was under control, stating that no enemy drones were being reported at present.

The initial panic set in when security forces noticed suspected drone movements in these areas, prompting immediate defensive action, including shooting attempts and shutdowns of electric supply in high-alert zones.

Army's Official Confirmation

Responding to the rising concerns among residents and media reports, the Army officially stated that there is “no need to be alarmed”, and that the situation was calm and fully under control.

“No enemy drones are being reported at present,” the Army clarified in a late-night update, diffusing growing tensions among locals and families living along the border.

Jalandhar Drone Neutralised

In Punjab's Jalandhar district, a surveillance drone was reportedly brought down by armed forces near Mand village around 9:20 PM. This was confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal, who added that a specialised team is currently searching for the drone debris.

Aggarwal also issued a caution to the public:

“Please do not go near any drone debris. Inform the nearest police station immediately,” he urged.

By 10 PM, the DC confirmed there had been no additional drone activity, and urged residents to remain calm and refrain from bursting crackers, which had been falsely interpreted as gunfire or explosions.

Blackouts in Sensitive Zones

As a precautionary step, blackouts were enforced in various locations across Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Jammu, with even the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and its trek path switching off lights to reduce visibility for any hostile aerial devices.

Additional blackout measures were also reported in parts of Amritsar and Hoshiarpur. A Delhi-Amritsar IndiGo flight had to return after the Amritsar airport was shut down temporarily due to these blackout protocols, sources said.

Link to Recent India-Pakistan Tensions

This border drone activity comes on the heels of heightened India-Pakistan tensions. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the first time after Operation Sindoor, reinforcing India’s commitment to national security and border vigilance.

Furthermore, a meeting between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan was also held recently, aimed at reducing escalating tensions and reviewing ceasefire commitments.

Despite the ceasefire agreement signed in February 2021, cross-border violations have continued, most recently spreading across five key districts:

• Baramulla

• Kupwara

• Rajouri

• Poonch

• Jammu

Operation Sindoor and Ceasefire Efforts

Operation Sindoor, an intensive military retaliation launched by India in response to drone and missile attacks, recently concluded with both countries agreeing to cease military hostilities on land, air, and sea. This understanding was reached on May 10, following four days of intense cross-border action that brought both nations close to a full-scale conflict.

Despite these developments, Pakistan’s frequent ceasefire violations along the 740-kilometre Line of Control (LoC) have continued to strain diplomatic relations.

Public Messaging and Local Administration’s Role

Local authorities, particularly in Punjab, took swift action. Himanshu Aggarwal maintained consistent public communication throughout the evening via messages and official updates, emphasising that security forces were in full control and there was “nothing to worry about”.

He confirmed that lights were turned off near Suranassi and surrounding areas, but denied any total blackout, assuring the public that routine military vigilance was in place.

Border Security on High Alert

The Indian Army and Border Security Forces (BSF) remain on high alert across vulnerable zones along the India-Pakistan border, especially in Punjab and Jammu regions. Drone surveillance, radar monitoring, and increased patrolling are being intensified in the wake of recent developments.

India’s border with Pakistan in Punjab stretches over 553 kilometres, making it a significant stretch vulnerable to drone incursions, smuggling, and other cross-border activities.

Conclusion

In summary, the Indian Army’s confirmation of no active enemy drones has brought temporary relief to residents along the Punjab and Jammu borders. However, the increased frequency of drone sightings, alongside cross-border firings, points to ongoing tensions that require continued vigilance.

The situation underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, even after diplomatic and military-level discussions.

As things stand, no casualties or further escalations have been reported following Monday’s suspected drone activities, but precautionary measures and heightened alert remain in place across all sensitive sectors.

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