In the wake of heightened military tensions with Pakistan, India’s defence ministry released a statement on Thursday claiming that the country is ‘fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people’.
The official announcement followed suspected missile and drone attacks emanating from Pakistan that hit important military establishments in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur on the International Border in Jammu & Kashmir. The Indian army confirmed that the attacks were successfully intercepted using both ‘kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)’.
“Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot & Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in J&K today. The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). No casualties or material losses were reported. India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people,” defence ministry posted on X.
Explosions and Blackouts Trigger Panic
Thursday evening saw deafening explosion noises shaking towns such as Jaisalmer and Jammu. Towns and villages all over Jammu and Kashmir and western Rajasthan, especially districts bordering Pakistan, witnessed sudden blackouts. Barmer witnessed the repeated blaring of sirens while people in Jammu reported a red glowing sky, eerie drone-like sounds, and sudden power cuts which led to mass panic.
Authorities had sent police patrols to restive areas to ensure stability, and security personnel in the affected states are on alert.
IPL Game Suspended
In a surprise aftermath of the security threat, an Indian Premier League (IPL) game was suspended in mid-play. Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals game was interrupted on Thursday evening after air raid warnings were activated in urban areas near the border, such as Jammu and Pathankot.
With military operations escalating and alerts sounded in sensitive areas, the IPL officials suspended the game to evaluate the situation, throwing the future of the tournament into uncertainty.
The fresh escalation comes after India’s surgical military strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which were undertaken in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The attack had killed 26 civilians. India’s retaliatory operation was initiated a day before Thursday’s drone and missile activity from the other side.
