Is There Any Firing Incident Along the Punjab Border?

Chandigarh, May 12 (NationPress) - Officials confirmed on Monday that no incidents of firing have been reported along the International Borders in Amritsar and other bordering districts of Punjab. However, all educational institutions will remain closed for an additional day.

Addressing rumors regarding a blackout in Amritsar, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney clarified that there was no need for any siren warning for residents to stay indoors, nor was there a blackout on the night of Sunday-Monday in Amritsar. "The defence authorities keep us informed and promptly notify us about any necessary blackouts or indoor warnings. I encourage everyone not to panic," she stated.

As a preventive measure, all government, aided, and private schools, colleges, and universities in the Amritsar district will be closed on Monday. Teachers may conduct online classes from home, but no teachers should be summoned to the school.

The previous day, Deputy Commissioner Sawhney visited local communities to thank the courageous and resilient residents of Amritsar. "We are immensely proud of how each of you demonstrated bravery, patience, and trust in each other and in the administration," she was quoted as saying.

Local authorities in Pathankot, as well as bordering cities of Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, and Sangrur, also mandated the closure of schools on Monday.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains indicated that all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, are set to reopen from May 12. He added that Deputy Commissioners in border districts have the authority to decide whether to open or close schools based on local conditions.

On Sunday, Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar visited DMC Hospital in Ludhiana to meet victims from Ferozepur who were injured in shelling and drone attacks from Pakistan.

Jakhar stressed the necessity for collective action. "Given Punjab's strategic position and economic challenges, particularly regarding disrupted trade, border zone restrictions, and increased security risks, it is crucial that we seek structured and sustained support from the Central government," he was quoted as saying.

During an all-party meeting on Saturday, which included Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Jakhar emphasized the need for a special economic package for Punjab, considering the ongoing losses the state faces as a border state.

He specifically suggested that Punjab be granted special status similar to that of states like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, which would provide long-term economic and developmental advantages.