Punjab on High Alert Following Military Strikes in Pakistan

Punjab's Response to Military Tensions

All districts in Punjab that share a border with Pakistan have been placed on high alert, with the state government announcing the cancellation of public events, as reported by a state minister on Wednesday.

This decision follows the Indian military's recent strikes on alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which were conducted in retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam. The operation, named Operation Sindoor, targeted nine locations.

In response, the Pakistan Army initiated shelling across the Line of Control, resulting in casualties that included twelve civilians and an Indian soldier.

Given the situation, the minister emphasized the importance of the Punjab government's role, noting that the state has a 532-km border with Pakistan. He stated, “During military tensions, our responsibilities increase significantly.”

To ensure public safety, all border districts have been put on high alert, and public events have been suspended. The police are prepared to act as a secondary line of defense, providing full support to the Indian Army in future operations.

The minister urged residents to comply with government directives to maintain safety in the region.

Reports indicate that at least 26 individuals lost their lives in Pakistan due to the Indian strikes, with Islamabad asserting that civilians were among the casualties and labeling the operation as a breach of its sovereignty.

India has clarified that the strikes were aimed solely at those responsible for the deaths of its citizens. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Operation Sindoor was executed with precision to avoid civilian harm, emphasizing that the action was measured and non-escalatory.

In a statement, Pakistan's National Security Committee declared that it had authorized its military to respond to the Indian operation.

The Indian armed forces have expressed readiness to counter any potential provocations from Pakistan that could heighten tensions between the two nations.

The terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 resulted in 26 fatalities and 17 injuries, with attackers reportedly targeting tourists based on their religious identity. Most victims were Hindu.

Following the Pahalgam incident, diplomatic tensions escalated, leading to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the expulsion of diplomats from both countries.

Since the attack, Pakistan has frequently breached the ceasefire along the Line of Control, prompting retaliatory actions from the Indian Army.