Air raid sirens echoed through the city of Chandigarh early Friday morning following a high-alert warning from the Indian Air Force (IAF) about a possible aerial attack from Pakistan. The incident triggered widespread concern across the Union Territory and neighbouring regions, prompting immediate safety advisories from local administrations.
The alert came in the wake of an escalating conflict along the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistan launched a series of drone and missile attacks late Thursday night into early Friday. Indian Air Defence Systems responded by neutralising over 50 drones, intercepting several missiles, and launching retaliatory strikes targeting key Pakistani positions in Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot.
Public Warning and Emergency Measures
Shortly after the IAF warning was issued, the Chandigarh district administration sounded air raid sirens across the city and urged residents to stay indoors and away from open windows, balconies, and glass structures.
“An air warning has been received from the Air Force Station regarding a possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and away from balconies,” read the official alert posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the Chandigarh administration.
Although the alert was later called off and declared over, the warning sent shockwaves through the city, especially in sensitive sectors near the Air Force base and defence installations.
Spillover Effect in Neighbouring Regions
The impact of the alert was felt beyond Chandigarh. Authorities in Mohali—which shares borders with Chandigarh—also issued an advisory urging residents of border-facing sectors to take precautionary measures.
“There is an alert in some areas of UT Chandigarh. We are advising Mohali residents in bordering sectors as well to remain indoors and away from windows and glass panes,” stated the Mohali administration.
Similar alerts were issued in Ambala, Haryana, another city home to a significant Indian Air Force presence. The Ambala administration echoed the warning, stating that residents should avoid open spaces and stay off rooftops during the period of heightened threat.
Punjab Prepares for Worst-Case Scenario
Amid the escalating tensions, the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) announced that it had activated emergency preparedness protocols across border districts. The CMO said the government was working in close coordination with the armed forces and central agencies to ensure readiness across sectors such as health, food supply, fire services, and disaster management.
“Cabinet ministers will immediately head to border districts after the emergency cabinet meeting. Ministers Lal Chand Kataruchakk and Dr. Ravjot Singh will oversee Gurdaspur, while Ministers Kuldeep Dhaliwal and Mohinder Bhagat will take charge of Amritsar,” the CMO announced.
Additionally, inspection drives of hospitals, fire stations, ration supply depots, and emergency shelters are being initiated to manage any potential fallout from further military engagement.
Background: Rising Hostilities and Strategic Strikes
The air raid alert in Chandigarh is the latest development in a rapidly intensifying military standoff between India and Pakistan. Tensions flared after India carried out Operation Sindoor, an aerial strike operation targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian nationals.
Pakistan responded with a wave of missile and drone attacks targeting regions across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. These strikes were met with strong resistance by Indian air defences, which not only intercepted the incoming drones but also initiated precision strikes on strategic Pakistani military installations.
In addition, Pakistan violated the 2021 ceasefire agreement by conducting artillery shelling on Indian civilian villages along the LoC late Thursday night. The Indian Army retaliated swiftly and forcefully, destroying multiple forward Pakistani positions believed to be facilitating cross-border firing and infiltration.
Nationwide Blackouts for Security
To protect military assets and prevent targeting by aerial threats, blackouts were imposed in multiple high-risk areas. Cities affected included Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, Baramulla, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Barmer, and Jaisalmer. The blackout, which lasted through the night, was a pre-emptive security measure consistent with wartime standard operating procedures.
Current Status and Outlook
As of Friday afternoon, the situation in Chandigarh and surrounding areas remains tense but under control. Security forces remain on high alert, and air surveillance continues over critical installations and civilian areas.
The Indian government has reiterated that it does not seek escalation but will respond decisively to any threats to its territorial integrity.
