Jammu Under Attack: Panic, Blackouts, and the Resilience of Civilians

Nature of the Attack and India’s Response to Pakistani Strikes—May 2025

Introduction

It started with a deafening boom and the whine of sirens. On May 8, 2025, as people in Jammu settled into their nightly routines, Pakistan launched a surprise wave of drone and missile attacks. What followed was one of the most intense escalations in Indo-Pakistani tensions in recent years. Let’s break down what happened—and how India responded with both power and precision.

The Spark—Pahalgam Terror Attack

The tensions didn’t come out of nowhere. On April 22, 2025, a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam rocked the nation. 26 innocent civilians lost their lives when armed militants targeted a tourist convoy. This attack served as a breaking point, drawing national outrage and demanding swift retribution.

Operation Sindoor—India’s Retaliatory Strike

India’s answer was clear, calculated, and rapid. On May 7, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a high-intensity retaliatory strike targeting nine terrorist training camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The mission reportedly eliminated over 100 militants, although official numbers remain unconfirmed. Unlike earlier covert strikes, this was loud, visible, and impossible to ignore.

The Pakistani Offensive

Not to be outdone, Pakistan launched a retaliatory barrage within 24 hours. The attack involved drones and missiles, targeting strategic Indian military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. According to defense reports, most of these threats were neutralized mid-air.

Specific Impact Areas

• Jammu Airport saw one drone breach defenses and cause minor structural damage—thankfully, no injuries were reported.
• Pathankot Air Force Base came under direct threat but sustained no significant damage due to timely interception.
• Civilian blackouts were imposed in Jammu, Kishtwar, Akhnoor, and parts of Punjab like Amritsar and Jalandhar to prevent visibility for enemy aircraft.

India’s Defense Systems in Action

India’s S-400 air defense systems were the stars of the night. Acquired from Russia, these advanced systems shot down at least eight missiles and several drones. This rapid neutralization saved countless lives and sent a strong message about India’s preparedness.

F-16 Shot Down Near Sargodha

In an impressive show of aerial defense, India shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet near the Sargodha airbase. The move showcased both strategic intent and air superiority, reminding Pakistan that aerial incursions would come at a cost.

Non-Kinetic Responses

India didn’t just fire missiles—it went digital too. The Indian government took down over 8,000 social media accounts spreading false news, from rumors of suicide bombings to fabricated videos of destroyed cities. By controlling the narrative, India ensured public calm amidst the chaos.

Civilian Impact of the Attacks

This wasn’t just a military conflict—it impacted millions. Cities plunged into darkness, sirens wailed through the night, and residents took shelter in basements.

• Blackouts were enforced as a protective measure.
• Schools and colleges in border states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir were temporarily shut.
• Public transport was suspended in volatile areas.

Aviation and Airport Security

Airports in over 24 cities, including Srinagar, Chandigarh, and Amritsar, suspended operations. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo urged passengers to arrive three hours early due to rigorous security checks.

Cross-Border Shelling and Continued Escalation

The Line of Control (LoC) lit up with artillery exchanges. In just two days, over 45 casualties were reported—32 in Pakistan and 13 in India. Civilians in LoC-adjacent villages bore the brunt, fleeing their homes to makeshift shelters.

Pakistan’s Perspective and Claims

Pakistan claims India’s strikes hit civilian zones, including a mosque in Muzaffarabad. Their foreign ministry has labeled the actions as a violation of sovereignty and threatened proportional retaliation.

India’s Official Stance

India has firmly maintained that its strikes targeted only terrorist camps, many operated by groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Indian authorities labeled Pakistan’s use of drones and missiles as “Hamas-like tactics” and warned of severe consequences for continued aggression.

International Reaction and Diplomacy

The global community is on edge.

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both nations to dial it down and engage in dialogue.
• China called for restraint, expressing concern over regional destabilization.
• The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session and called for de-escalation.
• Saudi Arabia and Iran have sent mediators to both countries.

Misinformation and Government Response

In an age where fake news spreads faster than missiles, India clamped down hard. Government fact-checking agencies like PIB Fact Check played a crucial role in busting fake alerts and maintaining public confidence.

Ongoing Operations and Readiness

India’s border troops remain on high alert. Infiltration attempts in Samba (Jammu) were thwarted on May 8. The BSF has ramped up patrols, and civil defense drills are underway in over 240 districts.

Broader Geopolitical Implications

This conflict isn’t just about India and Pakistan—it risks dragging in allies and upsetting regional stability. With increasing Chinese involvement in Pakistan’s military infrastructure and growing U.S. interest in South Asia, every move is being watched closely.

Conclusion

From retaliatory strikes to all-out defensive measures, the India-Pakistan situation in May 2025 has taken a grave turn. While India stands resolute in defending its people and territory, the need for diplomatic resolution has never been more urgent. Yet, one thing remains clear—India is not backing down, and it’s ready for whatever comes next.

FAQs

Q1. What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was India’s retaliatory missile strike on nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK on May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam attack.

Q2. Was there any damage at Jammu Airport?
Yes, one drone struck near Jammu Airport, causing minor damage, but no casualties were reported.

Q3. Did India shoot down a Pakistani fighter jet?
Yes, a Pakistani F-16 was shot down near the Sargodha airbase by Indian defense forces.

Q4. Are schools and airports still closed?
Schools in high-risk zones and over 24 airports remain closed or under restricted operations as of May 9, 2025.

Q5. What are the international responses to the conflict?
The U.S., China, and the UN have called for de-escalation. Meanwhile, Saudi and Iranian diplomats are mediating between the two nations.