The piercing sound of sirens in Chandigarh signals more than just a warning—it reflects a region grappling with the real-time impacts of cross-border conflict and the urgent need for preparedness.
BY PC Bureau
Chandigarh was jolted awake Friday morning by air raid sirens warning of a “possible drone attack,” amid rising tensions with Pakistan. The alert followed a wave of drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan on Thursday night targeting Indian border districts. India’s air defense systems intercepted the incoming threats mid-air.
In response to the threat, blackouts were enforced across several regions, including parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat. Areas affected included Amritsar, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Chandigarh, and Kutch.
The sirens in Chandigarh—Punjab and Haryana’s shared capital—were triggered as part of precautionary measures, with neighboring cities Mohali and Panchkula also observing blackouts. These developments come in the wake of Operation Sindoor, an Indian military operation launched on May 7 that struck nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The strikes were retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
In what appeared to be a coordinated counterattack, Pakistan reportedly launched drone and missile strikes across 15 Indian cities between May 7 and 8. Indian defenses, including the S-400 systems, successfully intercepted many of them. However, shelling was reported along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
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Chandigarh’s Emergency Response
At around 8:30 PM on May 8, sirens were first sounded in Chandigarh, prompting immediate blackouts. The administration issued alerts on platforms like X, advising residents to switch off lights, close shops, and remain indoors. The blackout extended to surrounding areas including Mohali, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Panchkula. In Pathankot, residents reported hearing explosions, though no official confirmations followed. Power was restored after roughly 90 minutes, but a “voluntary blackout” was advised.
Despite swift action, residents in Chandigarh sectors like 61, 24, and 34 reported inaudible or unclear sirens. These issues had been previously flagged during a civil defense mock drill the night before, exposing flaws in the city’s emergency siren system—particularly in parts of Mohali.
Military Context and Escalation
The emergency measures came amid broader military escalation. Indian forces reported intercepting Pakistani drones over Jaisalmer and Gujarat, while air defense units in Jammu thwarted attacks on key targets like the Pathankot airbase. In Akhnoor, Jammu, sirens were also activated following reports of loitering munitions from Pakistan.
Chandigarh: Air siren sounded in Chandigarh as part of a precautionary measure to remind citizens to remain alert after a statement has been issues by the Chandigarh Administration An: ”Air warning has been received from Air force station of possible attack”#Chandigarh… pic.twitter.com/SRpipAYB2B
— WION (@WIONews) May 9, 2025
Indian defense sources characterized Pakistan’s attack strategy as a “Hamas-style” assault, involving simultaneous launches of multiple projectiles. In retaliation, India reportedly targeted Pakistani air defense assets, including a radar system in Lahore.
Impact on Civilians
The crisis has disrupted daily life. Schools in Chandigarh and Tarn Taran were closed for May 9 and 10. Air India canceled flights to Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar until May 10. Twenty airports across northern and western India temporarily suspended operations, affecting over 165 flights.
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Public Reaction and Government Response
The sirens triggered anxiety among Chandigarh residents, but most complied with the blackout orders. Social media was filled with both urgent warnings and calming reassurances. One user posted, “It’s a precautionary siren in Chandigarh. Please don’t panic. Stay safe.” Another emphasized the seriousness of the alert.
Sirens again in Chandigarh this morning. #IndiaPakistanWar pic.twitter.com/A8VRoOvYlW
— Hayat🇮🇳 (@HayArshii) May 9, 2025
Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav commended public response, noting high compliance. He announced plans to install 30 more sirens to improve coverage. The administration emphasized that the measures were precautionary, aimed at reducing visibility during potential aerial attacks.
However, technical failures during the recent mock drill raised concerns. Some residents in Mohali’s Sector 125 and Sunny Enclave didn’t hear the sirens, and inverters compromised the blackout simulation. Civil defense officials confirmed that system reviews were underway.
Wider Implications
The situation underscores the volatility along India’s western border. The escalation—triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack—has pushed India-Pakistan relations to a dangerous point, with drones, missiles, and cross-border shelling threatening broader civilian disruption.
The crisis highlights the need for stronger emergency preparedness in urban centers. Siren reliability, public communication, and coordination between police and civil defense units are now under scrutiny.
Amid rising tensions, calls for peace have emerged. The Akal Takht Jathedar condemned the violence and urged both nations to prioritize dialogue. Meanwhile, political leaders in Chandigarh applauded the armed forces’ precision in targeting terror camps, reflecting strong public support for a firm national defense.
Looking Ahead
As of May 9, 2025, the situation remains tense. Border surveillance continues, and artillery exchanges are still being reported in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities remain on high alert, urging residents to stay vigilant.
For Chandigarh, the piercing wail of air raid sirens served as a stark reminder of its proximity to a conflict zone. While the city’s rapid response demonstrated readiness, the technical lapses revealed that more must be done to protect civilians as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
