Tensions between India and Pakistan intensified sharply on Thursday as Pakistan escalated its cross-border attacks. What began as small arms fire soon turned into heavy artillery and drone strikes. Drones targeted border areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and later extended to parts of Gujarat and Punjab.
Eyewitnesses Recall the Night of Attacks
A resident of a border village shared his experience with news agency ANI, recalling how drones appeared just after nightfall.
“Though the retaliatory firing continued the entire night, we aren’t scared,” he said. Describing the moment the drones were seen, he added, “I live in a nearby village. At exactly 8 PM, we saw 3–4 drones. We kept our children inside while the firing continued almost the entire night. What Pakistan did is not right. We are not scared.”
Another villager expressed strong faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Army. He appreciated the swift action taken by the forces and praised their response. “…There was a complete blackout last night, after which drones started flying and firing continued the entire night. Our forces are giving Pakistan a befitting reply. We have trust in our Prime Minister and our Army. All drones were neutralised by our forces. We are proud of our country. There is tension near the border, but the rest of the places are safe,” he said.
A third person, who was also close to the scene, described the frightening moments when explosions shook the area, but stressed that he had full confidence in India’s defence capabilities. “As soon as we started dinner last night, we heard the sound of some explosions… Explosions were heard again at around 4:30 a.m., but they were also neutralised by our forces. There is nothing to worry about. Our forces are on alert. Bhagwati Vaishno Devi is sitting in Jammu, there is nothing to be scared of… Attacking civilians is nothing but cowardice because they (Pakistan) don’t have the courage to fight our forces. This is all that they can do… Our forces are giving a befitting reply and we are proud of them…”
Following the attacks, blackout conditions were reported in several areas, including Jammu. Loud explosions and warning sirens were also heard. Residents captured mobile phone videos showing streaks of light in the sky—evidence that the Indian military’s air defence systems were intercepting the missiles and drones.
Soon after Indian forces successfully stopped the threats, the Defence Ministry confirmed the attacks and assured the public of full readiness.
A ministry spokesperson stated, “Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir today.” He further added, “The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).” This latest attempt by Pakistan came less than 24 hours after a previous, similar attack, signalling a continued rise in hostilities.
