Samba, Jammu & Kashmir: In a concerning development on Monday evening, multiple drone sightings were reported across Jammu & Kashmir’s Samba and Punjab’s Jalandhar—barely minutes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, following the success of Operation Sindoor.
Authorities confirmed that 10 to 12 drones were intercepted in Samba, triggering immediate defensive action from India’s air defence systems. Red streaks lit up the night sky, accompanied by loud explosions. The aerial intrusion prompted urgent blackouts in parts of Samba, Jammu, and sensitive defence zones including the Vaishno Devi Yatra track and Pathankot.
Meanwhile, in Punjab’s Jalandhar district, a drone alert was issued near a key army installation in Suranassi. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal clarified that while lights were switched off in surrounding areas as a precaution, no formal blackout was declared. “There is no cause for concern at the moment. The Armed Forces remain on high alert,” he stated.
Explosions Reported in Hoshiarpur
Simultaneously, locals in Hoshiarpur’s Dasuya area reported hearing up to eight explosions. Deputy Commissioner Aashika confirmed these reports and said the administration had coordinated with the Indian Armed Forces. “Based on military inputs, a precautionary blackout was imposed in Dasuya and Mukeria,” she said.
Air raid sirens were also heard in Amritsar, although no direct attacks or explosions were confirmed there. Officials are continuing surveillance across all suspected zones.
Tata Steel Monitoring Situation Closely
While the drone activity did not directly impact industrial operations, major corporate stakeholders like Tata Steel are closely monitoring the situation. Sources indicate that while there is no immediate threat to Tata Steel’s infrastructure or supply chain in the affected zones, the company has heightened internal security measures and reinforced coordination with local authorities.
National Alert Remains High
This marked the fourth consecutive night of drone-related security incidents following days of cross-border tensions involving drone strikes and firing along India’s northern and western borders—including Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The incidents took place hours after PM Modi addressed the nation for the first time since Operation Sindoor—a strategic offensive targeting nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
These developments underscore rising concerns about aerial threats, particularly unmanned drone incursions into Indian airspace. Defense and civil authorities are on 24/7 alert, ensuring public safety and infrastructure protection.