High alert in Punjab’s six border districts, schools shut

All schools in six border districts of Punjab — Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran — have been shut until further orders. The state, which shares a 532-km border with Pakistan, also saw the cancellation of all public gatherings in border areas.

Along with Punjab, the border states of Rajasthan and Gujarat and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir were placed on high alert following intense retaliatory shelling from across the border in several areas.

Late on Thursday night, blackouts were reported in Gurdaspur and Pathankot, where Pakistani drones attempted to infiltrate. Sirens blared across Jammu as Pakistan launched heavy shelling in the region.

The entire air defence grid along the western frontier, stretching down to Gujarat, was activated in response. Earlier, authorities cancelled public events, shut educational institutions and revoked leave for government employees, directing them to remain at their headquarters. The BSF intensified surveillance along sensitive zones.

In Rajasthan, schools, anganwadis and coaching centres were shut until further notice, while airports in Kishangarh and Jodhpur were ordered to remain closed until May 10. The BSF heightened patrolling and air defence units were placed on high alert in the border districts of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar. Examinations in these areas were postponed and hospitals were instructed to stock up on blood and emergency medicines. District officials were directed to curb fake news and secure sensitive locations.

Gujarat reinforced security measures, placing railway stations on high alert. Civilian flights from Bhuj and Rajkot airports were suspended for three days, with both facilities now reserved for military operations following a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued on May 7. Security forces increased patrolling in coastal and border regions, particularly in Jamnagar. Teams from the Special Operations Group (SOG), Marine Police and Task Force commandos conducted security checks along sensitive stretches, including Halar beach near the Pakistan border.

At Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, flight cancellations and delays caused chaos due to airspace restrictions and ongoing military drills. Railway stations also saw heightened security, with the RPF, GRP and Quick Reaction Teams conducting joint sweeps, intensified baggage screening and anti-sabotage drills. Flag marches were held to ensure public safety.

Punjab