How Prepared Are Punjab Ministers in Forward Areas?

Synopsis
Punjab ministers recently visited Fazilka to evaluate civil administration readiness amid rising tensions along the International Border. With Indian forces on high alert, officials assured residents of their safety and ongoing support, emphasizing readiness against any threats. This visit underscores the government's commitment to border area safety.
Key Takeaways
- The Punjab ministers are committed to ensuring safety in border areas.
- The Indian Army is actively neutralizing threats from enemy drones.
- Residents are encouraged to remain calm and informed during these heightened tensions.
- Essential supplies are being maintained to prevent shortages.
- The government is conducting thorough assessments of local services and hospitals.
Chandigarh, May 10 (NationPress) Punjab Cabinet Ministers Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Baljit Kaur visited Fazilka on Saturday to evaluate the readiness of civil administration and engage with residents in forward areas near the International Border. Indian forces, meanwhile, are maintaining a high state of operational readiness.
During their visit, the ministers convened a meeting with local administrators and assessed the arrangements at the Civil Hospital.
They also toured city markets to connect with locals and reassure them of the government's ongoing support.
Minister Sond emphasized that the government is firmly standing with the residents of border areas during these challenging times.
He added that all necessary assistance is being provided to the armed forces as well.
Civil authorities enforced blackouts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Bathinda, Muktsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Moga districts, issuing advisories for caution amid heightened tensions.
While reviewing the readiness of the administration, the minister reassured Fazilka residents that there is no need for panic, as all safety and convenience measures are in place. The ministers also inspected the Civil Hospital and confirmed that sufficient beds and essential medications are available.
Minister Baljit Kaur reiterated the government's commitment to the community, encouraging residents to remain composed and not succumb to fear.
She reviewed the operations of the blood bank, civil services, and healthcare facilities during the visit.
During the assessment, Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu reported that essential supplies are well-stocked and that there have been no incidents of black market activity. Multiple enemy-operated drones were detected over Khasa Cantonment in Amritsar and were swiftly engaged and neutralized by air defense units, as stated by the Indian Army.
"Pakistan's blatant escalation with drone strikes and other munitions continues along our western borders. Today, around 5 am, several enemy drones were observed flying over Khasa Cantt, Amritsar," the Additional Directorate General of Public Information posted on X.
"The hostile drones were promptly engaged and destroyed by our air defense units," it added.
"Pakistan's audacious attempt to breach India's sovereignty and endanger civilians is intolerable. The Indian Army will thwart any enemy intentions," the statement concluded.
Civil administration officials indicated that Jalandhar, Ferozepur, and Pathankot also experienced explosions on the evening of May 10. Missile debris was located at Mand Maur village near Kartarpur, along with additional debris found at Rampur Khalian village near Phagwara, which resulted in an eight-foot-deep crater in the fields.
Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar, Himanshu Aggarwal, communicated that the city has been on red alert throughout the night. Numerous objects were spotted and neutralized by the armed forces. Residents are urged to stay calm and indoors as much as possible.
The state government has deployed 10 Cabinet ministers to evaluate the readiness of hospitals, fire stations, and essential services in border regions.