Amritsar, May 7 — Following India’s precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, residents of Amritsar have been gripped by fear, leading to widespread panic buying throughout the city.
The uncertainty surrounding possible military retaliation by Pakistan triggered a rush for essential supplies, with crowds flocking to local grocery stores, supermarkets, and petrol stations.
By mid-morning, shortages began to surface, as items such as wheat flour, lentils, cooking oil, and sugar were quickly sold out.
“By noon, we were already out of at least 250 quintals of flour,” said Ashu, a manager at a local kiryana shop on Lawrence Road.
“Customers were buying in bulk, with some purchasing as much as 20 to 30 kilograms of wheat flour. Other items like lentils, cooking oil, soap, and sugar are also nearly gone.”
Supermarkets like DMart and Reliance Fresh were crowded, with people rushing to stock up on groceries.
“There’s a lot of panic among people, especially since Amritsar is a frontline border district. The fear of a possible attack from Pakistan is natural,” said Ritu Sareen, a Chheherta resident who was seen with her family at a local store buying large quantities of flour and cooking oil.
“Panic buying of medicines and supplies is just an inevitable reaction.”
Medical stores have also been inundated with customers seeking bulk purchases of painkillers, diabetic medications, and treatments for gastro infections.
Petrol stations have been busy since 8 a.m., with long queues forming as residents rushed to fill up their vehicles.
This came after the Deputy Commissioner announced the closure of all schools and colleges in the district due to the escalating tensions.
Adding to the chaos was a fake advisory that spread widely on social media and messaging platforms, claiming there was an “ongoing tense situation at the border” and urging residents to stock up on cash, fuel, medicines, and emergency supplies.
Authorities have since debunked the advisory, confirming that no such notice was issued, and have warned the public to disregard the misinformation.
As fears continue to mount, the city of Amritsar remains on edge, with residents trying to prepare for any possible developments while the situation at the border remains tense.
