Chandigarh on High Alert: Air Raid Sirens Sound Amid Threat; Citizens Urged to Stay Indoors

Chandigarh was put on high alert in the morning of Friday when air raid alarms rang out all over the city alerting residents of a potential air attack with increasing tensions between India and Pakistan. The alert was given following an alert issued by the local Air Force Station about a likely drone or missile attack. The residents were promptly warned by the administration to remain indoors, steer clear of balconies and roofs, and distance themselves from windows and glass surfaces.

The state of high alert comes in the wake of a series of military buildups in the region, including India's recent Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed lives. Pakistan retaliated by firing missiles and drones at various Indian cities, including Jammu, Pathankot, and Amritsar, triggering blackouts and air raid alarms across several states.

As a precautionary measure, Chandigarh authorities imposed a city-wide blackout on Thursday evening, cutting power at 9:30 pm and advising people to switch off all lights and restrict movement outside. Neighbouring Mohali and Panchkula also imposed similar restrictions, where people were asked to remain indoors. 

The government made proposals to expand air raid warning devices and enhance the control rooms for civil defense, with satellite telephones at stand-by in event of communication breakdown.

All colleges and schools in Chandigarh have been shut down for Friday and Saturday because of the emergent situation, and the public has been appealed to be alert and cooperate fully with officials. 

The Indian Army has confirmed that multiple drone and artillery strikes launched by Pakistan were successfully repulsed overnight, and security forces are on a state of heightened alert as the situation remains fluid.