Why Are Schools in Four Punjab Districts Adjacent to Pakistan Closed?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Schools in four districts of Punjab near Pakistan have been closed due to safety concerns amid rising tensions. This decision comes after a drone incident and advisories from authorities. The situation remains fluid as officials monitor developments.
Key Takeaways
- Schools in four Punjab districts are closed.
- Precautionary measures are in response to security threats.
- Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary outings.
- Drone activity has been reported in the area.
- The situation is being monitored closely by authorities.
Chandigarh, May 13 (NationPress) Schools in four Punjab districts bordering Pakistan, excluding Gurdaspur, remained closed on Tuesday as a cautionary measure, officials reported. A senior government official informed IANS that all border districts, apart from Gurdaspur, decided to keep educational institutions shut.
Following the Prime Minister’s address on Monday evening, authorities in Amritsar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur issued advisories, recommending that residents refrain from unnecessary outings and imposed a temporary blackout based on directives from the Army.
In Jalandhar, a surveillance drone was brought down by the armed forces on Monday evening. Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal stated, “I received information that a surveillance drone was shot down around 9.20 pm near Mand village. An expert team is currently searching for the debris.”
In a communication at 10.45 pm, he urged residents to avoid approaching any debris and to immediately notify the nearest police station.
Later, Aggarwal confirmed that no drone activity occurred in Jalandhar post 10 pm.
The Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur also announced a partial blackout following the Army's instructions.
Hoshiarpur's Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain confirmed the occurrence of explosions in the Dasuya area, stating that based on military inputs, a blackout was enforced in the Dasuya and Mukeria regions.
In Amritsar, regular activities continued, but an alert was triggered, and a temporary blackout was implemented for several hours on Monday.
Reports indicated that an Amritsar-bound Indigo flight from Delhi was diverted after drone activity was detected in other areas of the state, which shares a 553-km border with Pakistan.
Earlier in the morning, Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, Sakshi Sawhney, posted on X, “You may now hear a brief siren -- it indicates that the alert is lifted and we can resume our regular activities. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Pathankot district also remained vigilant as drones were reportedly spotted in the Bamial area adjacent to the Indo-Pak border.
During his address to the nation, PM Narendra Modi criticized Islamabad for cross-border terrorism, emphasizing that dialogue and terrorism, blood and water cannot coexist.
“Terror and talks cannot coexist. Terror and trade cannot go hand in hand. Water and blood can never flow together,” stated PM Modi.
Point of View
I believe it is vital to provide our audience with accurate and timely information regarding the closure of schools in Punjab. The safety of citizens is paramount, and we must remain vigilant in our reporting while ensuring that the public is informed without inciting panic. Our commitment is to uphold the truth and provide clarity during uncertain times.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are schools closed in Punjab?
Schools are closed as a precautionary measure due to heightened security concerns following drone activity and military advisories.
Which districts in Punjab are affected?
The affected districts include **Amritsar**, **Pathankot**, **Jalandhar**, and **Hoshiarpur**, while **Gurdaspur** remains open.
What prompted the school closures?
The closures were prompted by a drone incident in Jalandhar and subsequent advisories from military authorities.
Is this a permanent closure?
No, the closure is temporary and is being reviewed as the situation evolves.
What should residents do during this time?
Residents are advised to stay indoors unless necessary and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
