Rajasthan: Why Are Sirens Sounding in Jaisalmer?

Jaipur, May 8 (NationPress) In light of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, reports emerged of explosions in Jaisalmer, accompanied by the blaring of sirens throughout the area on Thursday. This situation has prompted a decisive response from local authorities. Residents witnessed bright flashes illuminating the night sky, further heightening alarm.

It is crucial to note that Rajasthan is currently on high alert. The Jaisalmer district administration has implemented a mandatory blackout from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Additional Collector Parsaram Saini has urged citizens to comply with these blackout directives, emphasizing the need to turn off all lights inside and outside their homes and to cover windows with curtains.

The administration has stressed the importance of community cooperation during this critical time.

Officials have indicated that Pakistan attempted a drone strike in Jaisalmer late Thursday night, which the Indian Army successfully intercepted, thwarting the attack.

In response to the heightened threat, a red alert has been declared in Barmer and Sri Ganganagar districts, advising residents to stay indoors. Several border districts are enforcing blackouts as a precaution. In Bikaner city and surrounding border towns, a full blackout began as the siren sounded at 9 p.m. on Thursday.

Security measures were significantly reinforced at Nal airport, with fire brigade teams and administrative officials on high alert. Officers are closely collaborating with villagers, encouraging them to report any suspicious activities and maintain complete darkness as a safety measure. Residents along the border remained vigilant throughout the night, with blackouts implemented across numerous settlements.

Mandatory blackouts have been ordered in Jodhpur, Barmer, and Jaisalmer from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. to reduce visibility amidst potential aerial threats. In response to the emergency, all leaves for doctors, medical staff, and police personnel across Rajasthan have been canceled.

In Sri Ganganagar, businesses shut down early at 7 p.m. on Thursday, while public movement is restricted around the Jawai Dam area in Pali.

District administrations in all border regions with Pakistan have released strict safety guidelines for residents. The 1,070-km-long India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan has been entirely sealed off. Air defense systems have been activated in major cities, with intelligence reports noting significant Pakistani troop movements near border villages.

Indian Air Force jets are conducting continuous monitoring and operations from over five airbases across the Western Sector. All flight operations from Bikaner, Kishangarh (Ajmer), and Jodhpur airports have been suspended until further notice. Four flights from Jaipur airport were canceled on Thursday, and IndiGo Airlines halted all its services to and from Bikaner.

In addition, North Western Railway has canceled the leaves of all its officers and employees in light of the emergency situation.

Furthermore, security forces have heightened their surveillance and presence in villages along the Rajasthan border, maintaining a state of operational readiness amidst ongoing tensions.