A day after India launched precision missile strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor, border states Punjab and Rajasthan have been placed on high alert amid fears of retaliation.
In Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has cancelled all official engagements. Police personnel have been recalled from leave, and restrictions imposed on public gatherings and events. The state remains on alert, with heightened surveillance and preparedness protocols.
Chandigarh, Haryana cancels medical officers' leaves
Chandigarh: In the wake of India’s precision air strikes under Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Chandigarh administration and the Haryana Health Department have cancelled all leave for medical officers and staff.
An official order issued by the Director of the National Health Mission, Chandigarh (UT), states that all medical personnel posted in AAMs (Ayushman Arogya Mandirs) and UAAMs (Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs) must remain available for 24x7 emergency duty, effective immediately.
The directive mandates that medical officers must report to duty immediately if called upon at any time or location. Personnel are also required to respond promptly to phone calls from authorities. Failure to do so will result in strict disciplinary action, the order warns.
The Haryana Health Department also cancelled all leaves for officers and employees. A directive issued by the Director General of Health mandates that no staff may leave headquarters without prior approval. The order has been communicated to all civil surgeons and chief medical officers.
Strict security measures enforced in Rajasthan
Rajasthan: In Rajasthan, which shares a 1,037-kilometre border with Pakistan, strict security measures have been enforced. The international border has been completely sealed and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have been issued shoot-on-sight orders for any suspicious activity. Indian Air Force (IAF) bases in Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Bikaner have suspended flight operations until May 9. Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets are conducting continuous air patrols from Sri Ganganagar to the Rann of Kutch.
Schools in sensitive districts such as Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Sri Ganganagar, and Barmer have been closed, with exams postponed. Emergency evacuation plans for border villages have been activated and anti-drone systems deployed. Mandatory blackouts from midnight to 4 am have been implemented in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer to reduce visibility for any potential enemy aerial operations.
India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the missile strikes as “measured, proportionate, and responsible,” underscoring India’s aim to dismantle terrorist infrastructure without escalating the broader conflict.
However, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the operation, calling it an “act of war” and vowed a “strong response” to what he termed a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The nationwide security response follows India’s targeted strikes on 24 locations linked to terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The operation was carried out in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. India has clarified that only terrorist training camps were targeted and not Pakistani military assets.
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