What Caused the Mysterious Explosions Near the India-Pakistan Border?
Explosive Incidents Raise Alarms in Rajasthan
Late Friday night, a loud explosion echoed through the Gida region of Balotara, where a missile-like object reportedly fell near Dewasi ki Dhani in the Jagram ki Dhani Panchayat. Upon discovering a heavy metallic object resembling a missile, local villagers quickly alerted authorities.
The police were notified, leading to the involvement of district administration and military personnel. Officials confirmed that they had recovered remnants of what appeared to be a missile and stated that investigations were underway.
In a related incident early Saturday, drone parts were found scattered in Mangaliyon ki Dhani, Baroda village, following another explosion. Local police arrived to evaluate the situation, raising concerns along the India-Pakistan border, particularly in Barmer, which is now under heightened security.
Residents have been advised to remain indoors due to the increased risk of aerial attacks. Reports indicate that multiple drone strikes were launched by Pakistan targeting military sites in Jaisalmer and Barmer for the second consecutive night, although the Indian Army successfully intercepted these threats.
In light of the escalating situation, the Airports Authority of India has extended the closure of five airports in Rajasthan—Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Kishangarh in Ajmer, and Uttarlai in Barmer—until May 14, initially set to reopen on May 10. A total of 32 airports nationwide will remain closed as a precaution.
Additionally, the State Election Commission has canceled the Panchayat Raj bye-election schedule for four border districts: Sri Ganganagar, Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner. The Rajasthan government has allocated an emergency budget of Rs 19 crore for these areas, and an all-party meeting is planned to discuss the ongoing developments.
Emergency preparedness is being heightened, with the Secretary of the Medical Education Department instructing hospitals and health centers in border districts to bolster their emergency response capabilities by deploying extra medical personnel.
In Alwar, authorities have prohibited drone flights during weddings and large gatherings to mitigate potential risks amid the current tensions. Jodhpur has implemented a complete blackout from midnight to 4 AM, which was enforced immediately following the drone attack, with city lights turned off around 9 PM.
Restrictions on flying drone cameras and hot air balloons have been enacted, and Jodhpur Airport will remain closed for passenger flights until May 14. In Barmer, coaching centers, libraries, and hostels will also remain closed until further notice from Collector Pratap Singh, with holidays declared for all government and private schools up to class 12.
A complete blackout will be observed from 6 PM to 6 AM, during which all lights will be turned off, and movement of all vehicles, including two-wheelers and four-wheelers, will be prohibited. It is important to note that the approximately 1,070-km border with Pakistan has been entirely sealed.