On the night of May 8, as tensions between India and Pakistan increased, blackouts occurred in more than 15 cities in India, including Srinagar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. This was done when the Indian armed forces started a counter-offensive against Pakistani drones and missiles targeting military facilities along the western and northern borders. Indian air defence systems successfully neutralised all drones and missiles. Pakistani drones were also intercepted in Jaisalmer by Indian forces. People heard explosions and saw flashes in the sky.
What Is A BlackOut?
A blackout occurs when all lights are turned off or restricted in a particular area to ensure that no light is visible from the outside. If any light is visible to the enemy, they could potentially target it. These restrictions are designed to strengthen civil defence, which serves as the first line of protection for citizens, provided by the citizens themselves. it is a part of India’s strategy of conducting civil defence mock drills. It is said that no light should be visible at a height of 5,000 feet above ground level under normal visibility conditions. Blackouts make it harder for advanced, high-speed aircraft to lock onto ground targets.
List Of Cities That Went Under Blackout
In a major escalation of hostilities on May 8, the Pakistani military opened up artillery fire in Jammu, Punjab’s Pathankot, and Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer. Indian air defence systems destroyed all the drones and missiles. Pakistani drones were also stopped by Indian air defence in Jaisalmer. People heard explosions and saw flashes in the sky.
Jammu, Rajouri, Udhampur, Samba, and Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir went dark as flashes from Pakistani drones and missiles being intercepted by India’s air defence systems lit up the sky. Sirens were also heard in Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla, and Kupwara. Srinagar airport has been put on high alert
In Punjab, A complete blackout was enforced in Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. A complete blackout occurred in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, Sriganganagar and Bikaner. Gujarat faces blackouts in the border villages of Banaskantha district, Suigam and Vav areas.
In Himachal Pradesh In Dharamshala, where Punjab was playing against Delhi Capitals, three out of four floodlight towers stopped working. As a result, the match was called off. India has deployed several air defence systems, including S-400 Sudarshan Chakra, L-70, Zsu-23, and Schilka, to stop Pakistani drone attacks.
India’s air defence system successfully shot down a Pakistani F-16 aircraft after Pakistan launched attacks at multiple places in Jammu and Punjab.
What Happened in 36 Hours
In a decisive 36-hour counter-offensive, India has taken the upper hand amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. Over 100 terrorists have been neutralised across various sectors, according to official sources. Indian armed forces successfully targeted and destroyed multiple air defence systems and strategic installations deep within Pakistani territory.
In a major development, the Border Security Force (BSF) foiled a significant infiltration attempt in the Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The swift response led to the killing of at least seven heavily armed terrorists.
Will The Blackout Happen Today?
Yes, blackouts may occur in most of the critical areas near the Indo-Pak borders, which are already experiencing blackouts. The affected districts may have been notified in advance about the upcoming blackout.
