Punjab stayed on high alert Friday following a tense night marked by intercepted missile attacks, drone activity, and the recovery of suspected missile debris, as cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan intensified.
In Bathinda district, Pakistani missiles targeted civilian areas late Thursday night. Swift action by India’s air defence systems successfully intercepted the missiles, averting major damage and loss of life. Debris from the intercepted missiles was found in several villages, including Tungwali, Gehri Baghi, and Bir Talab in Bathinda.
While most missiles were neutralised mid-air, one struck a house in Tungwali village, damaging a shed and shattering nearby window panes. No injuries were reported.
Residents of Bathinda city said they heard loud explosions around the time of the attack but confirmed that no casualties occurred. Local authorities have since urged residents to remain indoors and to maintain a distance of at least 100 metres from any unidentified objects.
Joint teams from the armed forces and the Punjab administration are currently surveying the affected areas, conducting recovery operations and forensic analysis of the missile fragments.
Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ahmad Parray confirmed that in addition to missile attacks, 4–5 drone incursions were reported in the district during the night. “All drones were successfully neutralised by our armed forces,” he said, adding that further updates would be issued by military authorities.
Meanwhile, in Hoshiarpur district, metal debris resembling parts of a missile was discovered in an agricultural field near Kamahi Devi village on Thursday evening. Locals alerted the police, after which the area was cordoned off and the Indian Air Force was called in. An IAF team inspected the site and took the debris for further analysis. The origin and type of the object have not yet been officially confirmed.
Hoshiarpur Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Mukesh Kumar stated that the debris—metal fragments resembling parts of a missile—was found by locals who immediately alerted the police. The area was quickly cordoned off, and the Indian Air Force was informed, he added.
The incidents occurred as tensions remain high following India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. On Thursday night, Pakistan reportedly attempted to retaliate by targeting military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur, and other northern locations with drones and missiles—attempts that were thwarted by India’s defence systems.
In a bid to reduce visibility and enhance civilian safety, coordinated blackouts were enforced across several cities in Punjab, including Pathankot, Mohali, Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Hoshiarpur.
The Ministry of Defence has assured the public that India is “fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people” amid growing concerns of a broader military confrontation.
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