Military on maximum alert in Punjab, Rajasthan, schools closed amid rising India-Pakistan tensions

Following India’s recent airstrikes targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor, high alert has been sounded along India’s western frontier, particularly in Rajasthan and Punjab. The escalation has triggered a series of emergency measures by state governments and central agencies to safeguard civilians and enhance military readiness.

In Rajasthan, which shares a 1,037-kilometre-long border with Pakistan, the situation has intensified. The Border Security Force (BSF) has sealed the border and stepped up vigil, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed all Western Sector air bases — including Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Nal, and Uttarlai — on maximum alert. Fighter aircraft, including Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs equipped with advanced weaponry, have been conducting frequent sorties along the border stretch from Sri Ganganagar to the Rann of Kutch.

Educational institutions shut

Amid growing concerns of a potential Pakistani retaliation, all government and private schools, Anganwadi centres, and educational institutions in Rajasthan’s border districts — Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, and Jodhpur — have been shut until further notice. District collectors from these regions, including Barmer’s Tina Dabi and Jaisalmer’s Pratap Singh Nathawat, have issued formal closure orders. Jodhpur District Collector Gaurav Agrawal also postponed examinations scheduled for May 8. A four-hour overnight blackout was imposed in Jaisalmer from midnight to 4 am to ensure operational security.

Leaves cancelled, order to stock on essentials

As part of precautionary actions, leaves of all government employees in border districts have been cancelled, and they have been instructed to stay at their headquarters. Hospitals have been ordered to stock essential life-saving medicines and maintain blood supply levels. Fuel stations in Bikaner were directed to reserve 2,000 litres of petrol and 5,000 litres of diesel for emergency services. Fire services, social media monitoring, and essential commodity supplies are under strict surveillance, while emergency evacuation plans for border villages are being prepared.

Anti-drone systems have been activated and are operating round-the-clock to detect and intercept any aerial intrusions. BSF patrols near the zero line have intensified, and soldiers have been granted immediate engagement authority in case of any provocation. Pakistani troop mobilisation has also been reported across the border, particularly in key areas like Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Fort Abbas, and Yazman Mandi.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, the government has announced school closures in all border districts including Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran. Tarn Taran Deputy Commissioner has ordered all schools to remain closed from May 8 to 11. Ferozepur authorities have declared a 72-hour shutdown of schools, subject to further instructions, citing security concerns.

Flight operations at Kishangarh and Jodhpur airports have also been suspended until May 10 as an added measure. Air defence systems have been placed on active readiness across major cities to counter any airspace violations.

As regional tensions mount, both states are reinforcing security and emergency preparedness to counter any emerging threats while ensuring civilian safety.

(with inputs from syndicate)