Will Pakistan Retaliate?: Security Arrangements Tightened Across Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat Borders
Following India’s overnight strike, dubbed Operation Sindoor in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday, Pakistan vowed retaliation at a “time and place of its choice.” Currently, India’s airspace has been under close observation to prepare for any potential Pakistan action.
With Pakistan’s warning of retaliation, security arrangements have been beefed up across the border regions between India and Pakistan. As heavy shelling is being reported from multiple locations across the Line of Control, at least three border states — Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat — have gone into high-alert mode. Considered as vulnerable areas, these states have taken several measures, including cancellation of public events, shutting down educational institutions and tightening surveillance.
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India on Wednesday carried out missile strikes on several terror infrastructures in a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were shot dead.
After its military response, India clarified that it did not target military installations or civilians in Pakistan and it aimed at destroying terror camps alone. Thus, it remains unclear if Pakistan would target Indian military infrastructure or civilian areas if it decides to respond, as there are no equal alternative sites like terrorist centers in India, as per analysts.
Preparations for a potential escalation by Pakistan along the border with the neighbouring country have been going on. The border has been completely sealed. A shoot-on-sight order has been issued to Border Security Force personnel in case of any suspicious development in the area. Exams have been postponed and leaves of police personnel and railways staff have been canceled.
Over 400 flights across North India have been temporarily suspended till May 10, and at least 236 airports have been closed as part of the security measures against any provocation from Pakistan.
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The air force is conducting air patrols from Ganganagar to the Rann of Kutch. Evacuation plans are also in place in the border villages. Defense systems, including anti-drone units, have been activated. Blackout orders have been issued for Jaisalmer and Jodhpur from midnight to 4 am, helping to disrupt advanced high-speed aircraft, in case of any potential attack. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also canceled all government programmes in light of the tension on the border.
Pakistan has also intensified security in the border areas in the wake of the escalation. The government of Pakistan’s Punjab province has declared a state of emergency in all hospitals, allocating half of the total beds to emergency situations, Al Jazeera reported, citing news portal Dawn.
