Watch: Jaisalmer’s Sonar Fort goes dark in security drill

NEW DELHI: The iconic Sonar Fort in Jaisalmer was plunged into darkness during a security drill initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.The lights that usually bathe the fort’s golden sandstone walls in a radiant glow each night were switched off, cloaking the Sonar Quila—renowned for its luminous nighttime display—in silence and shadow. Following India’s pre-dawn missile strikes on terror launchpads located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday, Rajasthan’s border districts were placed on high alert. As part of precautionary measures, schools across these districts have been shut indefinitely. Civilian flight operations at Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Jaisalmer airports—as well as Bikaner airstrip—have been suspended until 5.30am on May 10. Jaipur airport also witnessed disruptions, with four flights cancelled on Wednesday morning due to airspace restrictions. Jodhpur airport director Manoj Uniyal said that passengers scheduled to travel on Wednesday were informed in advance, and a help desk was set up for those who arrived unaware of the cancellations. The Jodhpur airport, which normally handles nine flights a day, has suspended all public operations, while Jaipur authorities have advised passengers to confirm flight statuses before heading out. Meanwhile, defence readiness in the region was visibly heightened. Air defence systems at Jaisalmer air base were placed on full alert to intercept incoming threats and monitor aircraft movements across the border. Residents of Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer described hearing loud jet noises from Indian Air Force sorties, likening the atmosphere to that of an active conflict zone. Amid these developments, the state education department has issued directives allowing district magistrates in border areas to determine school closures and exam postponements based on local security conditions, said Ashish Modi, director of secondary education.