Tension gripped parts of northern India late Wednesday as missile and drone threats from across the border were intercepted by Indian defence forces. Blackouts were reported across several cities in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and even parts of Gujarat and Haryana.

Defence sources confirmed that missiles launched from Pakistan targeted key military and civilian areas in Jammu. These included Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. All incoming missiles were neutralized mid-air by Indian Air Defence Units.

The Integrated Defence Staff confirmed an attempted strike on Indian military stations. These included installations at Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. All of them lie close to the International Border. The staff stated that the threat was countered effectively, using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.

“No losses. Threat neutralized by Indian Armed Forces as per SOP,” said the Defence Staff in a statement. They shared the update via social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Explosions and Missile Streaks Witnessed in Jammu

Residents of Jammu reported witnessing loud explosions and bright missile trails in the night sky. Entire neighborhoods experienced sudden blackouts. People stepped out of their homes to find the sky lit by air defence activity.

“Complete blackout in Jammu. Loud explosions heard. Armed Forces are alert,” tweeted former J&K Police chief Shesh Paul Vaid.

Jammu Police issued an advisory asking citizens to turn off all lights. They were instructed to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency protocols were activated across the district.

Jammu Airport on Alert

Sources suggested that Jammu airport could have been a potential target. The facility, which is dual-use for civilian and military purposes, was placed on high alert. Security was heightened and flights were briefly paused as a precaution.

Locals also reported hearing emergency sirens. Several defense installations in the area sounded alarms to alert nearby civilian zones.

Border Areas Under Fire in Jammu Region

Heavy shelling was reported from border areas of Akhnoor, Rajouri, and Poonch. Residents in these towns said they could hear sustained artillery fire late into the night. Defence officials have yet to confirm the extent of damage, if any, on the ground.

Military units in these districts were already on alert following previous skirmishes. Reinforcements were sent to several forward posts to monitor the situation.

Blackouts in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana

Multiple districts in Punjab enforced emergency blackouts. These included Amritsar, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, and Fazilka. Chandigarh and parts of Mohali and Panchkula in Haryana also saw power outages.

Local administration in these districts coordinated with security forces. Sirens were heard in several towns. Residents were advised to keep lights off and stay inside.

In Rajasthan, Jaisalmer and Bikaner reported missile-like objects in the sky. Air Defence Systems were immediately activated. Defence sources confirmed that aerial threats were intercepted before they could land.

Gujarat Also Takes Precautions

Though not directly under attack, parts of Gujarat also took preventive measures. Authorities in Kutch district enforced blackouts in key towns. Security agencies believed the move would reduce visibility for any incoming threats.

The sudden power cuts in Gujarat were part of a larger nationwide alert. Central forces issued instructions to regional police and disaster management teams to remain ready.

Srinagar Airport and City Also Go Dark

A little before 10 PM, Srinagar witnessed a blackout as well. Authorities placed the city under temporary security lockdown. Srinagar airport was placed on high alert, though flight operations were not halted.

Security officials scanned the airspace over the Kashmir Valley. There were no confirmed sightings of drones or missiles in the city. However, air defence protocols were followed strictly.

Coordinated Response from Armed Forces

The Indian Armed Forces acted swiftly to assess and intercept all threats. Command centers in Delhi, Udhampur, and Chandigarh coordinated the response. Air Defence Systems were activated across multiple sectors.

Multiple types of missiles were reportedly launched from across the border. Sources said drones were also detected in some regions. However, every projectile was intercepted or diverted without causing damage.

High-powered radar systems tracked the incoming threats. Anti-missile batteries in Jammu, Pathankot, and Rajasthan were instrumental in the defence.

Public Support Pours In

Despite the fear, people expressed strong support for the armed forces. Social media was flooded with messages praising the Indian Army, Air Force, and other defence units.

Hashtags like #IndianArmy and #NationFirst began trending by midnight. Political leaders, celebrities, and former officers shared their solidarity.

There was no panic reported from the general population, although tension remained high throughout the night.

Central Government Reviews Security

An emergency meeting was held in Delhi by the National Security Council. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on the situation. The Defence Minister and the Home Minister attended the late-night security meeting.

States were directed to increase patrolling in border areas. Airbases and cantonments were instructed to stay alert. Intelligence agencies were told to monitor any unusual activity across the border.

The Ministry of Defence is expected to release a detailed report soon.

Diplomatic Tensions Rising

The attack marks a sharp rise in India-Pakistan tensions. In recent weeks, India had conducted targeted operations under Operation Sindoor. These strikes were aimed at neutralizing terror camps across the Line of Control.

Experts believe this attempted missile strike was a retaliation. However, there has been no official response from Pakistan. Initial reports in Pakistani media have denied any such launch.

India has made it clear that any attempt to threaten national security will receive a strong response. Military analysts have said the recent attacks were designed to provoke, but India’s firm action shows readiness.

Civil Administration Active Across States

State governments across North India activated emergency response teams. Hospitals were put on standby. Fire departments were alerted. Power utilities cooperated with defence units to enforce temporary outages.

Helplines were set up in Punjab, Jammu, and Rajasthan for emergency updates. Local police held area patrols to ensure safety during blackouts.

Citizens were urged not to panic and avoid sharing unverified information online.

Situation Under Control, Forces Remain on Alert

By early Thursday morning, the Defence Ministry declared the threat was fully contained. No further missile activity was detected. Surveillance continued across affected areas.

The Indian Armed Forces remain deployed in sensitive zones. Border patrols have been increased. Air Defence Systems are on standby across military bases in the north and west.

Officials said that although the immediate threat had passed, vigilance would remain high.

The situation remains fluid. Citizens have been advised to follow official bulletins and avoid speculation.