Borders Sealed, Defence Units Ready: UP, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Gujarat On High Alert After Operation Sindoor

India On Alert After Operation Sindoor: A day after India’s military action against Pakistan in response to the deadly terror attack in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, the country has bolstered security measures across the nation, particularly in states having borders with Pakistan and Nepal. 

In early hours of Wednesday, India carried out Operation Sindoor, targeting nine locations, identified for having connection with terror activities. The millitary action was taken in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. The joint operation, carried out by the Indian Army and Air Force, targeted the strongholds of two of Pakistan’s most notorious terror groups: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). 

Border states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab have been put on high alert as local authorities gear up for any retaliatory measures from Pakistan. Public events across these states have been cancelled, and schools are shut, increasing the surveillance in sensitive areas. 

Shoot-At-Sight Order In Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, which shares a 1,037-km border with Pakistan, the border has been completely sealed, and Border Security Force personnel have been given shoot-at-sight orders if they spot any suspicious activity. 

According to a report by NDTV, flights from Jodhpur, Kishangarh and Bikaner airports have been suspended till May 9 as fighter Jets Patrol the Skies in the western sector. Fighter jets like Sukhoi-30 MKI are conducting air patrols from Ganganagar to the Rann of Kutch. The defence system has been activated in the region. A blackout from midnight to 4 am has been ordered for Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Along with this, an anti-drone system has been activated.  

Leaves of all the police personnel and railway staff have been cancelled, schools have been closed in Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Jaisalmer, and Barmer districts, and exams are now scheduled for later.  

Punjab Responded First With Bolstered Security Measures

Chief Minister of Punjab Bhagwant Mann has cancelled all his programs, and leave of police personnel has been cancelled in preventive measures against any possible attack from beyond the border. 

Punjab was among the first states to respond to the situation with heightened security. All border districts had been placed on high alert, and all public gatherings, including government events, were being cancelled as a precaution. All schools in six border districts of Punjab -- Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran -- have been shut until further orders.

Operation Sindoor: NOTAM Issued In Gujarat

Districts like Kutch share a border with Pakistan. Civilian flights from Bhuj and Rajkot airports were suspended for three days, starting from Wednesday, May 7. Both facilities now exclusively serve military aircraft. The steps were taken after NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was issued early Wednesday. 

Patrolling has been intensified in the coastal and border regions. Teams from the Special Operations Group (SOG), Marine Police, and Task Force commandos have been moved to sensitive areas, including Halar beach, which lies close to the Pakistan border, to carry out security checks. 

Uttar Pradesh Declares Statewide Red Alert

Uttar Pradesh has declared state statewide red alert to respond to the heightened security threat following Operation Sindoor, in which nine terror hideouts were targeted by India in Pakistan and PoK.

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Checking drives have been launched at state borders, toll plazas, and highway checkpoints. Bomb disposal squads, dog squads, and anti-sabotage teams have been mobilised. Security arrangements have been bolstered at key infrastructure, like airports, railway stations, government buildings, religious places and crowded markets. 

Uttarakhand On Red Alert: Police Scales Up Checking In Sensitive Zones

Uttarakhand was placed on Red alert after India carried out Operation Sindoor on Wednesday. Given the Char Dham yatra, Uttarakhand is among the vulnerable places across the country. 

Following the red alert, security checks have been intensified at sensitive locations, including airports, hospitals like AIIMS, railway stations, and defence institutions. Surprise drills are underway, and a suspicious individual has been apprehended in Roorkee.

Airport Advisory In Place Amid Security Threat

Delhi and Bengaluru Airports issued advisories amid airport shutdowns and flight cancellations across the country following the heightened security threats. 

Delhi airport informed its passengers that some flights were affected due to changing airspace conditions. The international airport has advised travellers to contact their respective airlines and stay updated with scheduled flights amid a rapidly changing situation. 

The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has advised its passengers to check flight status and contact respective airlines before moving towards the airport. 

Home Minister Amit Shah held a security review meeting with lieutenant governors and chief ministers of border states/UTs like J&K, Ladakh, UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and West Bengal and a representative of the Sikkim govt through video conferencing.