Following India’s retaliatory strikes on Pakistan and Azad Kashmir in response to the Pehelgam attack in Kashmir, high alert has been issued in the border states of Rajasthan and Punjab.
All police leaves have been cancelled, and public gatherings are banned in both states to prepare for any possible situation. According to Indian media outlet NDTV, the entire 1,037-km Rajasthan border with Pakistan has been sealed, and the Border Security Force (BSF) has been ordered to shoot on sight if any suspicious activity is observed.
The Indian Air Force is on maximum alert. Flights have been suspended at Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Bikaner airports until May 9. Combat aircraft are patrolling the skies, and missile defense systems have been activated. Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets are conducting surveillance from Ganganagar to the Rann of Kutch.
Schools have been closed in Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Jaisalmer, and Barmer districts. Examinations have been postponed, and police and railway staff leaves have also been cancelled. Villages near the border have been put on high alert with evacuation plans in place if necessary.
Anti-drone systems have been activated near the border. A blackout order is in effect from midnight to 4 a.m. in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur to obstruct high-speed aircraft attacks.
Punjab has also issued similar alerts. Police leaves are cancelled, and public gatherings are banned. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has cancelled all government programs due to the border tension.
31 Dead in Pakistan, Including Women and Children
Earlier, India launched missile strikes at nine locations in Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir, resulting in at least 31 deaths. Following these strikes, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets. Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed the action.
According to Pakistani military sources cited by Geo News, the downed jets included three Rafale fighters, one MiG-29, and one SU-30.
In response, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed revenge, stating that every drop of blood shed in India’s airstrikes will be avenged