The India-Pakistan conflict escalation has plunged border communities into fear. On May 8, a sudden blackout hit Jammu, in Indian-administered Kashmir. Minutes later, explosions rocked the city.
Aqib Parray, 24, rushed home after hearing the blasts. “I saw missiles scattered in the skies from my rooftop,” he said. “We’ve never seen Jammu like this.”
Drone Attacks and Blackouts Spark Panic
India’s Defence Ministry said eight missiles came from Pakistan-origin drones. They targeted Jammu, Satwari, Samba, Udhampur, and Pathankot. Indian air defences intercepted all of them. No casualties were reported.
Pakistan denied involvement. Its Information Minister called the claims false and politically motivated.
Indian Punjab saw emergency blackouts. Cities like Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Mohali went dark. Sirens rang out. Residents panicked.
Sabarpreet Singh, a businessman in Amritsar, said he can’t sleep. “My children are scared when sirens go off,” he said. “We’re thinking of leaving the city.”
Artillery Fire and Global Concern
The Line of Control (LoC) is the most dangerous zone. Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged heavy artillery. Civilian deaths are rising. Thousands have fled to shelters.
Tensions soared after gunmen killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam. India responded with missile strikes on six cities in Pakistan.
Pakistan claimed to have downed 25 Indian drones, including in Lahore and Karachi. At least one civilian died. Five more were injured.
India said it hit Pakistan’s air defence systems in retaliation. Officials insisted India acted only after Pakistani aggression.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry warned that any further escalation would face a strong response.
Experts urge immediate global mediation to ease the India-Pakistan conflict escalation.
Political analyst Sumantra Bose said, “This is an endless loop of retaliation. It should never have reached this point.”
Praveen Donthi of the International Crisis Group added, “Pakistan had to respond. Public pressure left no room for de-escalation.”
Both countries now brace for more tension. The region remains gripped by fear and uncertainty.
