India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate: India Intercepts Pakistani

Amid heightened hostilities between India and Pakistan, tensions have escalated dramatically following India’s precision military retaliation for the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. On May 7, the Indian armed forces executed “Operation Sindoor,” a targeted military campaign against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which led to a series of alarming developments including missile strikes, drone attacks, airspace closures, and mass blackouts across multiple regions.

Explosions and Sirens Across Jammu & Kashmir

The situation intensified on Thursday with loud explosions reported across Jammu, triggering emergency sirens and power blackouts across the region. Similar alerts were sounded in Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla, and Kupwara, indicating a region-wide emergency preparedness operation.

India Thwarts Pakistani Missile Strikes Across Major Cities

According to the Ministry of Defence, Pakistan attempted to target multiple Indian cities with missile attacks, including:

Awantipora
Srinagar
Jammu
Pathankot
Amritsar
Chandigarh

India’s robust air defence systems successfully intercepted all incoming threats. Authorities confirmed that debris from these neutralised missiles is being recovered to substantiate Pakistan's involvement in these aggressive moves.

Retaliation: Operation Sindoor – India's Military Response

India’s military response was swift and calculated. In a late-night precision strike codenamed Operation Sindoor, Indian armed forces targeted and neutralized nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and PoK. The mission was launched in the early hours of May 7 and lasted approximately 26 minutes—from 1:04 am to 1:30 am.

These strikes were conducted in direct retaliation to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The counter-offensive reflects India's firm stance on defending its sovereignty and combating cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan Responds with Artillery Shelling

Following the missile exchange, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense artillery and mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in the tragic death of 12 civilians and one Indian soldier. The heavy shelling has added to the chaos and panic among border residents.

Political Reactions from Pakistan

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that his country reserves the right to respond with full force, calling India’s military action “an act of war.” In contrast, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif struck a slightly more conciliatory tone, suggesting that Pakistan is prepared to de-escalate if India takes the lead in doing so.

Widespread Impact: Airports Shut, Flights Suspended

In the wake of Operation Sindoor, India implemented large-scale airspace restrictions:

27 airports across northern India were shut for commercial operations until May 10.
25 international flight routes allowing entry and overflight from Pakistan into Indian airspace were temporarily suspended.

These strategic measures were aimed at ensuring national security and avoiding civilian casualties in the face of potential retaliatory attacks.

Civil Defence Preparedness: Drills and Blackouts

States and Union Territories across northern India initiated mock drills and blackout exercises to prepare civilians and infrastructure for possible escalations. Cities reported sirens and power outages to simulate emergency conditions and reduce visibility to hostile forces.

Nationwide Political Support for Operation Sindoor

In a rare display of political unity, India’s opposition parties voiced strong support for the military operation. An all-party meeting was convened to brief leaders on the ongoing situation. Parties extending their support included:

Indian National Congress
Left parties
Samajwadi Party (SP)
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
Shiv Sena (UBT)
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction)

Leaders from across the political spectrum acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged unwavering support to the government's efforts to combat terrorism.

Latest Updates (As Reported)

Blackout in Panchkula
There has been a blackout enforced in Panchkula too.
Air Raid Sirens in Chandigarh
Air Raid Sirens are being alarmed in Chandigarh. A blackout will be imposed immediately.
India Responding to Pakistan's Ceasefire Violation
Pakistan is violating the ceasefire at LoC in several sectors of Jammu & Kashmir. Heavy artillery fire has opened. The Indian Army is giving a strong response.
India Shoots Down Over 70 Missiles in Rajasthan
India has shot down over 70 missiles in Rajasthan after Pakistan's recent escalations.
India Intercepts 8 Pak Missiles Launched at Sambha, Satwari, RS Pura, and Arnia
Pakistan on Thursday launched 8 missiles at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia sector and all these missiles were intercepted by Indian Air Defence units.
IPL Match in Dharamsala Stopped
The IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals has been stopped due to floodlight issues.
Cities Confirmed Hit by Drones
- Jalandhar
- Jaisalmer
- Jammu City
- Pathankot
India Continues Retaliation
India has shot down two Pakistani fighter jets—F-16 and JF-17—along with neutralising several missile and drone threats.
India Shoots Down Pakistan's F-16 and JF-17
The Indian Air Force brought down two Pakistani jets as part of its defense measures.
Blackout in Bikaner and Jalandhar
Complete blackouts have been enforced in Rajasthan's Bikaner and Punjab's Jalandhar.
Blackout in Gujarat's Bhuj
There has been a complete blackout enforced in Gujarat’s Bhuj too.
Pakistani Drones Destroyed in Jaisalmer
Indian air defence systems have successfully intercepted Pakistani drones over Jaisalmer.
Complete Blackout in Samba, Jammu Division
Sirens and blackouts have been reported in the Samba region.
India Destroys Over 30 Missiles in Jaisalmer
Indian air defence has neutralized over 30 missiles launched by Pakistan in Jaisalmer.
India Counters Pakistan’s Strike in Jaisalmer and Bikaner
Exchange of fire continues as India responds to Pakistan’s missile threats.
Complete Blackout in Ferozpur
Punjab’s Ferozpur region experiences a complete blackout.
Blackout in Srinagar and Mata Vaishno Devi
Both regions have been put under blackout amid heightened tensions.
Blackout in Barmer and Pathankot
Blackouts are enforced as shelling continues in Kupwara from Pakistan.
India Shoots Down Pakistani Drones in Jammu
India’s air defence has successfully neutralized drone threats in Jammu. A complete blackout remains in effect.

The Situation Remains Tense

India and Pakistan remain on a razor’s edge as cross-border hostilities continue to intensify. While India's decisive military action under Operation Sindoor has sent a strong message against terrorism, the evolving nature of threats—ranging from missile strikes to drone incursions—demands continued vigilance. The situation remains dynamic, with regional and global stakeholders closely monitoring every move by the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies