Amid fresh concerns of ceasefire violations and drone sightings, blackout measures were reimposed in several districts of Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat on Saturday night, shortly after they were lifted following an announcement of a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.
According to officials cited by news agency PTI, blackout orders have been reinstated in the Punjab districts of Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga, and Muktsar. The move comes merely two hours after district administrations withdrew the blackout and restrictive measures in response to the ceasefire declaration.
#WATCH | A complete blackout has been enforced in Moga, Punjab
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2025
(Visuals deferred by an unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/h0Xsfh5EGR
Earlier, the city lights turned on in Pathankot after the announcement of a ceasefire.
VIDEO | India-Pakistan military de-escalation: City lights turned on in Punjab's Pathankot.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 10, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/OPigj001Fo
Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, Sakshi Sawhney, stated: “Since there are reports of ceasefire violation, we will remain on alert today. We will observe blackout if and when needed. I advise all to kindly be prepared for enforcement of blackout if the need arises and be at home. Please do not indulge in bursting of firecrackers. We have done this drill several times, so please do not panic. This is by way of abundant caution.”
Hoshiarpur district authorities confirmed that the blackout began at 8:50 pm, accompanied by an air raid siren. A message from the administration read: “Lights off as a measure of abundant precaution. Please cooperate.”
Ferozepur officials imposed the blackout at 8:40 pm and issued a similar appeal to residents, saying: “Do not need to panic.” Fazilka district followed suit with enforcement beginning at 9:30 pm, while Rupnagar implemented a blackout from 9:30 pm to 5:30 am.
In Ludhiana, the administration indicated that blackout orders could be reintroduced depending on the evolving situation. The Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner said, “We are ready and all teams have been put on alert. Our armed forces with district administration are monitoring the situation closely.”
Sangrur district also enforced a blackout from 9:10 pm to 11 pm.
A complete blackout has also been enforced in Haryana's Ambala and joint capital Chandigarh.
#WATCH | Haryana: A complete blackout has been enforced in Ambala
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2025
(Visuals deferred by an unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/nyGQK8Jet2
VIDEO | Complete blackout in Chandigarh. More details are awaited.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 10, 2025
(Disclaimer: Visuals are deferred by unspecified time)
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/mxuX3bjCEY
The reimposition of these measures follows the announcement by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Delhi that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan had agreed to halt all firing and military action on land, air, and sea from 5 pm on Saturday. However, the ceasefire was declared only hours after both nations reportedly attacked each other’s military facilities, escalating tensions significantly.
Complete Blackout Enforced In Gujarat’s Bhuj, Kachchh
Meanwhile, in Gujarat, a complete blackout was enforced in Bhuj, Kachchh district, following reports of multiple drone sightings. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced on social media: “Several drones have been spotted in the Kutch district. A complete blackout will be implemented now. Please stay safe, don’t panic.”
#WATCH | Gujarat | A complete blackout has been enforced in Bhuj in Kachchh
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2025
(Visuals deferred by an unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/vBnYnoIkfm
Authorities in both states continue to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to remain indoors and cooperate with safety protocols.
