Hours after the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions for days, Punjab’s border areas including Ferozepur, Barnala, Pathankot, Sangrur and others witnessed blackouts Saturday evening.
The blackouts come in the wake of multiple explosions and sirens being heard in and Kashmir. “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!” J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdulllah posted on X, adding that this was “no ceasefire”.
The blackout in Ferozepur started at 8:40 pm, with the district administration conveying that it was a “precautionary measure” and urging citizens to follow safety protocols, adding that there was no need to panic.
Blackout was also implemented in Barnala district starting 9:00 pm, and is supposed to continue till 11:00 pm. The Sangrur and Hoshiarpur authorities also asked citizens to observe blackouts.
“Even after the power supply is restored, household lights, solar lights, CCTV cameras, etc., must be kept switched off. Strict compliance with these instructions is mandatory. There is no need to panic, and as responsible citizens, please refrain from spreading any rumors or unverified information,” a statement issued by Deputy Commissioner and SSP, Sangrur, said.
Other districts wherein blackouts are being observed include Patiala, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Amritsar, Malerkotla, Bathinda, Fazilka and Gurdaspur. The administration, meanwhile, urged the residents to observe voluntary blackout. In , street lights were switched off as a precautionary measure.
Earlier today, both India and Pakistan had decided to “stop firing and military action”, with United States President being the first to announce ceasefire between the two countries on Truth Social. The ceasefire came after a night of both countries targeting each other’s military installations.
