India and Pakistan have entered a critical phase of confrontation following the launch of India’s Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, launched after the April 22 terrorist massacre in Pahalgam, has triggered full-scale retaliatory rhetoric and actions from Islamabad, with Pakistan formally labeling India’s campaign an “act of war.”
Pakistan Responds to Operation Sindoor with “Act of War” Declaration
After India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, and cut trade and diplomatic ties, Islamabad responded by suspending all bilateral agreements, including the Shimla Agreement. Pakistan’s foreign ministry condemned India’s Operation Sindoor as an “unprovoked violation of sovereignty,” and said it reserves the right to defend itself militarily.
“India’s airstrikes inside our territory constitute an act of war. We have placed our armed forces on full alert and suspended diplomatic protocols,” Pakistan’s National Security Council said in a televised statement.
Pakistan has also shut its airspace to Indian aircraft and threatened to escalate military operations along the Line of Control (LoC).
Indian Defense Reports: Massive Drone Infiltration Foiled
Indian news agencies, citing Indian defense sources, reported that Pakistan has escalated its cross-border hostilities significantly in the past 48 hours.
According to reports, Pakistan’s military attempted a coordinated aerial offensive on Thursday night, deploying 300–400 Turkish-manufactured drones aimed at 36 strategic sites across Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Air Force successfully intercepted and neutralized the aerial threat, preventing casualties or infrastructure damage.
The following day, Pakistani drones were again detected over Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot sectors and were promptly shot down by Indian forces. Intelligence inputs suggest repeated attempts to target civilian zones in Uri and Rajouri.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Issues Public Appeal Amid Blackouts
As the situation on the ground deteriorated, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah issued a public appeal via social media platform X:
“It’s my earnest appeal to everyone in & around Jammu please stay off the streets, stay at home or at the nearest place you can comfortably stay at for the next few hours. Ignore rumours… and we will get through this together.”
“Intermittent sounds of blasts, probably heavy artillery, can now be heard from where I am.”
“Blackout in Jammu now. Sirens can be heard across the city.”
The Jammu city administration confirmed multiple explosions on Friday evening, following cross-border shelling initiated from the Pakistani side.
Blackouts Expand Across Border Districts
Due to increased threat levels, the Indian government has imposed full blackout protocols in:
- Jammu, Samba, Rajouri, Udhampur, Poonch, and Kathua
- Hoshiarpur (Punjab), where Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain issued a district-wide curfew and blackout order
- Baramulla and Uri, where intense shelling has been reported
Meanwhile, the Srinagar Airport has been shut until May 14, and all flights to sensitive airbases have been grounded as a precaution.
Global Concern and Rising Tensions
The European Union, United States, and other global actors have expressed grave concern over the escalating border crisis, urging both sides to engage in immediate de-escalation talks. However, both governments appear to be hardening their positions.
Military experts warn that this is the most dangerous India-Pakistan standoff since Balakot in 2019, with open military confrontation now a real and present danger.
Conclusion
As India continues its counter-offensives and Pakistan sharpens its military rhetoric, the region is bracing for a prolonged confrontation. The Indian government has reinforced that Operation Sindoor was a measured response to terror, while Pakistan insists that the campaign constitutes an act of aggression. All eyes are now on international mediation efforts to prevent a war between two nuclear-armed neighbors.
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