A day after India intercepted several missiles over its skies, Jammu again saw a blackout and sirens ring out on Friday night. Around 8.30 pm, explosions were also heard in the city as well as in the Samba sector.
Defence sources said drones had been sighted in , Samba and Pathankot and were being engaged.
“Blackout in Jammu now. Sirens can be heard across the city,” J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X. He is currently in Jammu. “Intermittent sounds of blasts, probably heavy artillery, can now be heard from where I am,” he posted.
Residents told that the blackout was enforced a little after 8 pm. In parts of Srinagar, too, a blackout was enforced and loud sounds were heard from near Badamibagh cantonment.
According to officials, Pakistani troops were resorting to ceasefire violations in the Rajouri and Poonch sectors. The Indian Army was retaliating effectively, officials said.
“It’s my earnest appeal to everyone in and around Jammu, please stay off the streets, stay at home or at the nearest place you can comfortably stay at for the next few hours,” Omar wrote.
The development comes a day after Pakistan attempted to attack military installations in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur, which was repelled by the Indian side.
Jammu had seen a blackout lasting hours on Thursday night too, as missiles streaked across the sky. After an initial attack from the Pakistani side a little before midnight, it had made another attempt around 3.50 am on Friday.
The following day had been fairly routine Jammu, with commercial establishments, banks and government offices open as usual all through Friday.
However, educational institutions such as schools and colleges, except for medical colleges, were shut as the government ordered their closure until May 12.
