Blackouts enforced in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 9: A blackout was enforced in north Kashmir and Srinagar late Friday evening minutes after loud explosions and artillery fire were reported in Jammu and at Line of Control (Loc) in north.

Some sirens blared as authorities swiftly implemented movement restrictions, deployed heavy security personnel on roads, and set up checkpoints to monitor traffic and ensure public safety.

This marks the second that a blackout has been implemented in the Kashmir Valley. Sources say the measure is part of broader security protocols amid heightened threat perceptions following hostilities along the Line of Control (LoC).

According to the Indian Army, Pakistani armed forces launched multiple attacks using drones and heavy munitions along the western border on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. These attempts were effectively repulsed by Indian defence forces, which also reported “numerous ceasefire violations” by Pakistan along the LoC. The Indian Army has stated that it gave a “befitting reply” to these provocations.

The latest spike in violence follows the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this week, which claimed 26 lives. India has accused Pakistan of being complicit in orchestrating the attack. In a decisive retaliatory move, India carried out Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, launching 24 missiles in a span of 25 minutes. These missiles targeted nine suspected terror infrastructure hubs located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), marking one of the most intense cross-border strikes in recent years.