In response to rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, a 30-minute blackout rehearsal was conducted across the Ferozepur Cantonment area in Punjab on Sunday night.
The exercise, aimed at enhancing readiness during emergencies, was carried out from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM under the directives of the President and the Cantonment Board/Station Commander. “As per orders from senior officers, lights were completely turned off. Any vehicle found with its lights on was asked to switch them off. Police are on full alert with security personnel deployed at all key intersections,” said Gurjant Singh, Station House Officer (SHO) of Ferozepur Cantonment Police Station.
The blackout drill comes in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives and significantly heightened cross-border tensions. In its aftermath, the Indian government has granted the armed forces full operational freedom to determine the nature and timing of any retaliatory action. Additionally, the Centre has suspended the Indus Water Treaty as part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on Pakistan over its continued support for terrorism.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Punjab Police arrested two individuals for allegedly leaking sensitive information and photographs of Army Cantonments and Air Force Bases in Amritsar to Pakistani intelligence operatives. The accused, identified as Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih, are currently in custody.
Speaking to the press, Rural Amritsar SSP Maninder Singh stated, “Following directives from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav, we are acting swiftly against anti-national elements. We received intelligence inputs about these two individuals sharing classified information with Pakistan-based operatives. Their arrest has yielded substantial evidence, including sensitive data.”
The developments underscore India’s tightened internal security measures and its firm stance against cross-border espionage and terrorism in light of the recent attacks.