Why Did Sirens Resound Through Jammu as Explosions Triggered a Blackout?

Jammu, May 9 (NationPress) The city of Jammu was enveloped in darkness late Friday night as a series of loud explosions reverberated throughout the area, prompting officials to sound emergency alerts and advising residents to remain indoors. This unsettling event comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, following India's precise drone strikes under Operation Sindoor earlier in the week, which successfully dismantled several terror hideouts across Pakistan and PoK.

Authorities indicated that the explosions were most likely due to cross-border shelling from Pakistan, a retaliatory action that has heightened border tensions and sent shockwaves through civilian neighborhoods in Jammu.

As fear spread, Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, took to social media platform X to confirm the ongoing situation and issue an urgent safety advisory to the public.

"Intermittent sounds of blasts, likely heavy artillery, can now be heard from my location," Abdullah posted on X.

He also shared a chilling image of the darkened city, captioned and shared widely:

"Blackout in Jammu now. Sirens can be heard throughout the city."

In a heartfelt message to the public, the Chief Minister urged calm and vigilance:

"I earnestly appeal to everyone in and around Jammu, please stay off the streets, remain at home or at the closest safe location for the next few hours. Ignore rumors, do not spread unverified information, and we will navigate through this together."

On Friday, CM Omar Abdullah visited Jammu city after the previous day's unsuccessful missile and drone strikes from Pakistan.

He checked on the well-being of those injured and being treated at the government medical college hospital.

The CM also visited relief camps to assess the support being provided to individuals evacuated from high-risk areas. Pakistan military units have initiated heavy mortar shelling in the Jammu and Samba border areas.

It remains uncertain whether the loud blasts heard in Jammu city are attributed to enemy artillery fire or drones launched from across the border.

The Army has reported sightings of drones in Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot in Punjab. They also indicated that an air defense operation has commenced, with drones now being engaged.

Warning sirens were also detected in Srinagar.

In the meantime, security forces have been deployed throughout Jammu, and numerous checkpoints have been fortified. The district administration has activated emergency protocols, with drone surveillance reportedly in motion to assess threats and damages.

While there have been no reported casualties thus far, the psychological impact of the blackout and repeated explosions has been profound. Markets closed early, and public transportation ceased as fear and uncertainty gripped the city.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation and are expected to hold a press briefing later tonight.

Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha engaged with soldiers in Baramulla. He visited frontline troops stationed in the Baramulla and Uri sectors.

In addressing the soldiers near the LoC, he asked: "How is the Josh?" to which the troops responded energetically, "High, Saheb!" reflecting their readiness to confront the enemy.

The Lieutenant Governor affirmed that our soldiers share a single dream and resolve – to neutralize Pakistan and its capabilities while safeguarding our citizens and India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"I see determination in your eyes, and I want to assure the people of the country that they are in safe hands. The entire nation draws inspiration from your valor. May Prabhu Shri Ram empower you to defeat the enemy," the Lieutenant Governor stated.

He reiterated the national commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to neutralize terrorists, stating clearly – any harm inflicted on an Indian citizen will be met with swift retribution.

"I want to assure the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir that peace is vital for prosperity, and our armed forces will ensure that Jammu and Kashmir and India remain peaceful and prosperous," the Lieutenant Governor emphasized.

He praised the armed forces, noting that whenever crises arise, our soldiers have upheld the pride of Mother India through their supreme sacrifices.

"Your history is filled with courage and valor. India has always stood for peace. Following the tragic massacre of our citizens in Pahalgam, the main goal was to dismantle terrorist hideouts. Operation Sindoor avenged the Pahalgam terror attack by destroying terror factories within Pakistan. However, the enemy is targeting our military establishments and citizens, and we are giving them a fitting response," the Lieutenant Governor shared with the soldiers.

He concluded by stating that due to the bravery and resolve of our soldiers, Jammu and Kashmir and the nation sleep peacefully.

"If anyone attempts to disrupt our peace repeatedly, they will face consequences so severe that their future generations will remember it. All 140 crore Indians stand united with our soldiers. I pray to God to grant you strength to once again write the saga of India's bravery," the Lieutenant Governor remarked.