Indo-Pak Tensions- In a strong show of preparedness amid escalating geopolitical tensions, the Ferozepur Cantonment in Punjab will observe a complete blackout tonight from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM, as part of a crucial security exercise. The decision comes in response to growing concerns over the “prevailing war threats” between India and Pakistan, particularly after a recent surge in cross-border hostilities and terror incidents.
The blackout drill is being conducted as a precautionary measure to test the readiness of local defense and civil infrastructure in the event of a potential emergency. The Ferozepur Cantonment Board’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has formally requested full cooperation from the district administration, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), and military authorities to ensure that the exercise is executed effectively.
“You are requested to ensure adequate security arrangements during this period, given the total blackout,” the CEO stated in a formal communication addressed to the Deputy Commissioner and the Station Headquarters.
The PSPCL has been asked to cut power supply to the cantonment area during the scheduled blackout window, ensuring there are no streetlights, household lighting, or external illuminations visible from above. The drill, officials say, is aimed at simulating a war-time scenario, helping both military and civilian stakeholders understand the logistics and coordination needed during a real crisis.
To alert the civilian population residing near the cantonment, a public announcement campaign was launched earlier today. A man on a battery-operated rickshaw equipped with a loudspeaker moved through the town, informing residents of the scheduled blackout and advising them to turn off all lights for the specified duration.
Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan
The urgency behind the blackout drill stems from growing unrest in the region, following a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, last month. The attack, linked to Pakistani terror outfits, claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists, triggering a nationwide outcry and diplomatic backlash.
In response, India has taken several retaliatory measures against Pakistan, including:
- Revoking all Pakistani visas, suspending cross-border travel,
- Freezing cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty, an agreement signed in 1960 to regulate water sharing between the two nations,
- Increasing military surveillance and defensive posturing along the Line of Control (LoC).
There have also been multiple ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces in the past week alone, with reports of mortar shelling and small-arms fire in border sectors. The Indian Armed Forces have responded with “effective fire”, as confirmed by official sources.
Blackout Drills: A Historical Precaution
Blackout drills are a legacy defense practice, primarily adopted during wartime or heightened military alertness. They are intended to minimize visibility to enemy aircraft or drones, which could use lights to identify strategic targets during aerial surveillance or bombing runs.
Such drills were widely used during the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, and even during the Kargil conflict in 1999, especially in sensitive border areas. The revival of such exercises in 2025 signals a significant uptick in threat perception among Indian defense planners.
A Pattern of Escalation
The current situation bears an eerie resemblance to earlier flashpoints between India and Pakistan. Notably:
- In 2019, India launched an airstrike on a terror training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan’s territory, following the Pulwama attack that killed 40 Indian CRPF personnel.
- In 2016, India executed surgical strikes across the LoC, targeting terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, after the killing of 19 soldiers in Uri.
Analysts believe that the ongoing military and civilian preparedness in regions like Ferozepur is a strategic move, reflecting India’s intent to stay vigilant and ready in the face of increasing provocations.
What’s Next?
While a blackout drill may seem like a minor activity on the surface, its symbolic and strategic significance cannot be overstated. It sends a message—to both the domestic population and hostile forces across the border—that India is alert, prepared, and capable of swift response.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, such exercises could become more frequent across other sensitive military zones. For now, Ferozepur stands as a model of civic-military coordination in times of uncertainty.
