Blackouts and Fear: Tensions Soar Along the India–Pakistan Frontier

New Delhi, India — On the evening of May 8, panic gripped the city of Jammu in Indian-administered Kashmir when sudden blackouts and loud explosions sent residents scrambling for safety. Aqib Parray, a 24-year-old local, described scenes of fear and confusion as the sky lit up with what appeared to be incoming missiles. Internet services were also cut, intensifying the sense of chaos. “We’ve never seen Jammu like this,” he said.

For over two decades, neither India nor Pakistan has seen a full-scale war. While past conflicts have remained largely contained, such as the 1999 Kargil War, the current escalation threatens to change that. Millions across both nations are now witnessing wartime conditions rarely experienced in recent memory.

According to India’s Ministry of Defence, eight missiles were launched from Pakistani drones targeting Jammu, Satwari, Samba, and strategic military sites in Udhampur and Pathankot. India claims it intercepted all the missiles with no reported casualties. However, Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar denied any such attacks were carried out.

Tensions remain high following a string of violent incidents, including the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam and India’s retaliatory strikes on multiple cities in Pakistan on May 7. The looming fear of war has led to mass blackouts and evacuations across Indian border regions.

In Punjab, cities like Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Jalandhar went dark as authorities implemented emergency protocols. Residents, like businessman Sabarpreet Singh from Amritsar, are grappling with anxiety and uncertainty. “We can’t sleep at night. I’m thinking of taking my family and leaving,” he said.

The Line of Control (LoC), which divides the disputed Kashmir region, remains one of the most volatile areas. Both Indian and Pakistani forces have exchanged heavy artillery fire, causing civilian casualties and displacements. Thousands have been moved to shelters as a precaution.

A local intelligence source in Jammu confirmed that military facilities were targeted and that while defense systems held up, the situation remains volatile and under close watch.

Analysts suggest Pakistan was under immense pressure to respond after India's May 7 strikes, which New Delhi described as anti-terror operations but which Islamabad says killed civilians, including children. Senior analyst Praveen Donthi of the International Crisis Group emphasized that Pakistan’s retaliation was inevitable given domestic expectations.

India reported that multiple Pakistani drones attempted to strike military positions in Srinagar, Amritsar, and other areas. In response, India targeted Pakistan’s air defense infrastructure, including installations in Lahore. Pakistan claimed to have shot down 25 Indian drones overnight and reported civilian casualties.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri warned of strong retaliatory measures if Pakistan escalates further, emphasizing that India’s actions have so far been defensive. Pakistan rejected accusations of aggression and warned against “escalation based on false pretenses.”

Experts like political scientist Sumantra Bose are urging immediate international diplomatic efforts to prevent the situation from spiraling further. “The world cannot support a meaningless conflict,” Bose said, pointing to mismanagement and a cycle of retaliation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Meanwhile, the United States stated it is engaging with both governments. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce acknowledged Pakistan’s call for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack but said accountability is key. India, however, has dismissed such investigations due to mistrust in Pakistan’s cooperation.

Donthi warned that without proactive intervention by global powers, a full-scale war could be imminent. Bose concluded that the region may already be in a de facto state of war, and only urgent diplomacy can stop further escalation.