Second night of disruption as city plunges into darkness; sirens and explosions spark fear just a day after India intercepts missile attacks.
A fresh wave of panic swept through Jammu on Friday night as large parts of the city were hit by a power outage, accompanied by the sound of sirens and explosions. The incident came less than 24 hours after India thwarted a series of missile attacks directed at military sites.
Locals reported that power supply was cut around 8 p.m., casting neighbourhoods into darkness. Within minutes, loud blasts , suspected to be artillery fire , were heard from multiple locations, stirring concern across the city.
“Blackout in Jammu now. Sirens can be heard across the city,” posted Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on X. “Intermittent sounds of blasts, probably heavy artillery, can now be heard from where I am.”
The disturbance followed a tense Thursday night, when Pakistan is said to have fired multiple missiles at military targets in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. The Indian military successfully intercepted the incoming strikes. The initial launch occurred just before midnight, followed by another attempt at around 3:50 a.m. Friday.
Despite the overnight scare, daily routines resumed by morning. Commercial establishments, banks, and government offices opened as usual, though the administration remained cautious. As a preventive step, all schools and colleges , with the exception of medical colleges ,were ordered shut until May 12.
Security across the region has been tightened, with additional forces deployed near sensitive locations. Authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant, restrict movement after dark, and follow official updates closely.