Air raid sirens sounded in Chandigarh; residents advised to stay indoors amid threat of possible attack from Pakistan

CHANDIGARH: An air raid sirens sounded in Chandigarh on Friday morning by the Air Force Station, warning of a possible aerial attack. Sirens were sounded across the city and residents were advised to stay indoors and away from balconies, windows and glass panes, specifically sectors 45-47, according to a message issued by the Chandigarh deputy commissioner and DC Mohali.Following the sirens, work at the Punjab and Haryana High Court was suspended for the day. While judges continued to hear urgent matters, lawyers abstained from work as a precautionary measure. The high court has jurisdiction over both Punjab and Haryana, as well as the Union Territory of Chandigarh.In Chandigarh, the alert was over by 10:30am. The alert comes hours after an emergency blackout was enforced across Chandigarh on Thursday night, with air raid sirens blaring and power being switched off around 9.30pm. In a communication to RWAs and market associations, the DC urged citizens to respond swiftly to sirens by switching off all lights and staying indoors. “Do not venture outside or onto rooftops,” the advisory said. While most residents complied, several streetlights and solar-powered lights remained on for a significant time. Vehicles continued to move with headlights on, defying the blackout advisory.Earlier on Thursday, the administration ramped up civil defence systems, anticipating potential emergencies. A UT spokesperson said the number of air raid warning systems would be increased from 20 to 50. “Satellite phones will be used in case of communication breakdowns. Civil Defence Control Room is being strengthened, and uniforms will be issued to personnel,” the official said. Power from the grid was restored shortly after midnight, but residents were urged to continue observing a voluntary blackout. Across the border in Mohali, a two-hour blackout was enforced around 9.30pm. DC Komal Mittal said the step was taken amid intelligence inputs indicating a possible threat from Pakistan. Residents were asked to turn off all indoor and outdoor lights, limit movement outside, and cooperate with authorities. “This is a precautionary measure for public safety,” she said. Panchkula witnessed brief confusion as the blackout began without clear communication. The absence of a proper siren system led to delays in compliance, with many homes and streetlights remaining lit well past the alert. As word spread through social media and neighbourhood messages, more residents gradually turned off their lights. The blackout remained in place through the night, officials said.