2025-05-09T02:26:15Z

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A significant blackout occurred on the night of May 8, 2025, affecting several districts across Punjab, including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Rupnagar, Fazilka, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, as well as the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Officials confirmed the blackout, attributing it to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which have been intensifying in recent weeks.

In Jalandhar, reports emerged of unidentified drones being spotted in the vicinity. Security forces acted swiftly, neutralizing these drones at around 11:20 p.m., as per official sources. This incident is indicative of the heightened security measures being implemented in response to the ongoing conflict.

In light of the evolving situation, Punjab's Education Minister Harjot Bains announced that all educational institutions — including schools, colleges, and universities — both government and private, will remain closed for a period of three days. This decision underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of students amid potential threats.

Similarly, the Jammu and Kashmir government has taken precautionary steps by closing all educational institutes in the Union Territory for two days. Senior officers have been appointed to oversee border districts, ensuring that communication remains effective in case of emergencies or further escalations.

On the same night, India's air defense systems successfully thwarted a series of attempts by Pakistan to strike both civilian and military locations in northern and western India. A substantial number of missiles and loitering munitions were launched but were intercepted effectively. According to the Integrated Defence Staff of the Indian military, military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, all located close to the International Boundary, were targeted by Pakistan using a combination of missiles and drones. The military's vigilance highlighted the seriousness of the threat posed during this tense period.

For continuous updates on the situation, follow the latest news outlets and official communications as the events unfold.