CHANDIGARH, May 10 – Just hours after easing restrictions in response to a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, Punjab authorities on Saturday evening reimposed blackout orders in several districts, citing precautionary concerns following reports of renewed ceasefire violations.
Blackouts were enforced across Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga, Muktsar, and parts of Rupnagar and Sangrur, with district administrations urging residents to stay indoors, switch off lights, and remain calm.
“In light of reported ceasefire violations, we will remain on alert today,” said Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney.
“We will observe a blackout if and when needed. I advise all to kindly be prepared for enforcement of blackout if the need arises and be at home. Please do not indulge in bursting of firecrackers. We have done this drill several times, so please do not panic. This is by way of abundant caution.”
The blackout in Hoshiarpur began at 8:50 p.m., marked by an air raid siren, according to local officials. “Lights off as a measure of abundant precaution. Please cooperate,” read a message from the district administration.
Ferozepur authorities initiated the blackout at 8:40 p.m., while Fazilka enforced it at 9:30 p.m. In Rupnagar, the blackout is scheduled to last from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sangrur district declared a blackout window from 9:10 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
“We are ready and all teams have been put on alert. Our armed forces with district administration are monitoring the situation closely,” said the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, where officials have not yet ordered a blackout but indicated one could be issued depending on further developments.
Earlier in the day, following the ceasefire announcement, Punjab had rolled back its restrictive measures. However, by evening, local administrations reinstated blackouts as a preventive step after the ceasefire reportedly came under strain.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed from Delhi that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan had agreed to halt all hostilities across land, air, and sea from 5 p.m. on Saturday.
The ceasefire came in the wake of a dangerous escalation, with both sides having reportedly targeted each other’s military facilities. Though the agreement briefly reduced tensions, the reimposition of blackout measures reflects continued uncertainty and the fragile nature of peace along the border.
