Barmer, Sri Ganganagar, and Jodhpur under emergency lockdown as fresh drone threats emerge
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, district administrations in three Rajasthan cities — Barmer, Sri Ganganagar, and Jodhpur — have issued red alerts, ordering the immediate closure of markets and cessation of all public movement. Citizens have been strongly urged to return to their homes and remain indoors as a precautionary measure against potential threats.
In Barmer, District Collector Tina Dabi issued an urgent directive around 10 a.m. on Saturday, mandating a complete halt to public activity. “All residents are ordered to immediately return to their homes. Markets must be closed, and all public movement is to cease with immediate effect,” the official order read, adding that authorities have been instructed to strictly enforce the lockdown.
The move follows a red alert issued at 5 a.m. earlier in the day after reports of drone attacks launched from across the Pakistani border. According to officials, India’s air defence systems successfully intercepted and neutralised the airborne threats. A complete blackout was enforced in sensitive areas and remained in place until 6 a.m., lasting nearly 12 hours.
In Sri Ganganagar, district authorities declared a complete lockdown, urging citizens to stay indoors and follow all safety instructions. “The district administration and police have appealed to all residents to fully comply with official instructions and extend complete cooperation,” said a spokesperson.
Similar precautions were taken in Jodhpur, where the administration directed an immediate shutdown of markets and a halt to public movement. Police personnel were deployed to ensure compliance and maintain public order.
In nearby Jaisalmer, although no official red alert was issued, markets were closed as a precaution, and law enforcement continuously appealed to residents to avoid public gatherings.
The alerts come after a second consecutive night of drone attacks by Pakistan, with 26 targeted locations across states including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The Indian Defence Ministry confirmed that all attempted strikes on vital installations such as airports and military air bases were thwarted by the country’s robust defence systems.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have assured citizens that all necessary measures are in place to ensure their safety. Residents in the affected regions have been advised to stay alert, follow official updates, and avoid spreading unverified information.
Sources By Agencies
