Sirens may not be wailing, but the country is on silent alert. As tensions between India and Pakistan spiral after a recent military operation and retaliatory fire, states and cities are switching to emergency mode. From shuttered classrooms in Punjab to cancelled flights in Srinagar, and heightened police patrols in Delhi to blackout drills in Rajasthan , India is responding to the threat with caution and coordination.
Here is a ground-level look at what’s closed, what’s open, and how different states are bracing for any eventuality.
Delhi: Leave cancelled, City on high alert
In the national capital, all government employees have been told to report to duty with no exceptions. Leave applications were suspended until further notice. Security drills are being carried out at malls, metro stations, markets, and even in residential areas. India Gate, usually a spot for leisure, has temporarily closed access for visitors.
Furthermore, Police teams with Bomb Disposal Squads are combing through key locations, while metro stations like Mayur Vihar Phase-1 are under round-the-clock surveillance with multiple security cameras and personnel on high duty.
Northern States: Schools shut, Borders tightened
The fear of further attacks has led to widespread school closures in states close to the border. Here’s is a detail on what is shut-
Punjab: Schools, colleges, and universities are shut for three days. Border districts like Pathankot and Ferozepur are on red alert.
Jammu & Kashmir: Schools closed on May 9 and 10. Heavy shelling in border sectors has prompted some civilian evacuations.
Rajasthan: Schools closed in districts such as Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Sri Ganganagar. Night blackouts (9 pm to 4 am) are being enforced in some areas.
Himachal Pradesh: Una district schools remain closed as a precaution.
Haryana: Schools are shut across the state.
Leh: A two-day suspension of school activities was announced.
Airport closed, Flights cancelled
Air travel has taken a hit. Twenty seven airports including Amritsar, Srinagar, Jammu, and Leh are no longer operational for civilian flights. Airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India have issued travel advisories, rerouted flights, and cancelled several services.
Passengers flying to and from northern states are being advised to arrive early, as security checks are tighter than usual. Indigo alone cancelled 165 flights in a day.
A fee waiver is being offered for changes or cancellations on flights booked before May 8 for specific locations including Chandigarh, Bikaner, and Rajkot.
Statewise Emergency measures: A quick look
Rajasthan: Red alert in multiple districts; blackout protocols in effect.
Gujarat: Increased coastal security, with police leaves cancelled. Local surveillance stepped up in Jamnagar and Dwarka.
Punjab: Police leaves suspended; enhanced border patrol and public communication systems activated.
Haryana and West Bengal: Leaves for government employees cancelled; mock drills and emergency prep underway.
ICAI Exams Postponed
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has pushed back all exams scheduled from May 9 to May 14. Students across the country were informed that the decision was made in light of the “tense and security situation.”
Operation Sindoor and what followed
The escalation began with India’s counterstrike ‘Operation Sindoor’ launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Indian forces hit back at terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. In return, Pakistan fired shells, flew drones, and attempted missile strikes in multiple Indian locations.