amritsar

Panic gripped residents of amritsar and Gurdaspur following multiple explosions on Friday night, with no major damage reported. Power was temporarily cut off and restored early Saturday. Blasts were heard near amritsar airport and Khasa area, prompting a police search for drone or missile debris.

amritsar Rural Police have arrested Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih for allegedly spying for Pakistan. They are accused of leaking sensitive information, including details and photographs of military installations and troop movements, to Pakistani intelligence operatives. Investigations link them to Harpreet Singh, currently jailed, with further revelations expected as the probe continues.

A nationwide civil defence drill, ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, included a blackout in amritsar to assess emergency preparedness. The exercise, part of Operation Sindoor following a terrorist attack, involved switching off lights at key locations, including the Golden Temple, between 10:30 pm and 11 pm. Similar blackouts were observed in other states and cities across India.

Farmers in Gurdaspur and amritsar clashed with authorities over land acquisition for the Delhi-amritsar-Katra expressway, resulting in detentions and injuries. Farmer unions allege unfair compensation practices and police brutality during the protests against the Bharatmala project. Detained farmers were later released, but tensions remain high over land valuation disputes.

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the launch of Operation Sindoor, India suspended the Kartarpur Corridor pilgrimage, citing security concerns for pilgrims. While 490 pilgrims were registered, only 170 arrived at the Integrated Check Post. Flight operations at amritsar airport have also been suspended, and educational institutions in amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot have been closed.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has debunked Pakistan's false claims of striking an Indian military base in amritsar, exposing the circulated video as wildfire footage from Chile in February 2024. PIB also refuted claims of shooting down an Indian Rafale jet, clarifying the image was old and unrelated to 'Operation Sindoor.

Following a notification from aviation authorities, Air India has cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 5.29 am (IST) on May 10. This disruption stems from airspace changes, prompting international airlines to avoid Pakistani airspace after India's Operation Sindoor.

In amritsar, Punjab Police arrested Phalak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih for allegedly leaking sensitive information and photographs of Indian military and security installations to Pakistani handlers. The duo, apprehended in Bahlarwal village, transmitted the data via WhatsApp and received payments for their actions. Investigations revealed their connection to a cross-border smuggler currently incarcerated in amritsar Central Jail.

Daoke, an amritsar village bordering Pakistan, remains cautiously calm amidst rising tensions. Villagers acknowledge the potential danger of being cut off if the connecting road is targeted, yet express trust in the Indian Army's protection. While some families have taken precautions by sending children to safer areas, daily life continues with a sense of resilience, contrasting with the palpable fear experienced during past conflicts.

Tensions escalate as the Indian Armed Forces defuse a projectile in amritsar following reported Pakistani air strikes along the western border in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. The Indian Army responded to ceasefire violations and drone attacks, asserting its commitment to national sovereignty. These events follow heightened tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor.

Punjab Police's counter-intelligence unit uncovered a drug smuggling network linked to Pakistan-based operatives, recovering 5 kg of heroin and other items in amritsar. Key suspect Jodhbir Singh reportedly distributed drugs and funneled money to Pakistan via hawala. Separately, a BSF-Punjab Police joint operation near Bharopal village seized arms and ammunition, foiling a potential terror plot.

Tensions between India and Pakistan prompted blackouts across Punjab, Chandigarh, and Haryana. Authorities ordered residents to stay indoors. Explosions were reported in Bathinda, investigated by armed forces. Drones were neutralised in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar. Earlier, explosions and missile debris caused panic in amritsar. Army teams recovered wreckage from affected villages. Precautionary measures were in place.

Pakistan's military aggression escalated with drone strikes near western borders, prompting India's 'Operation Sindoor.' Armed drones targeting amritsar were destroyed, as confirmed by the Indian Army. Explosions and sirens rattled Jammu following suspected drone incursions. Cross-border artillery exchanges intensified along the LoC, impacting Rajouri and Poonch.