Jammu, May 9, 2025 – A series of loud explosions and piercing sirens rocked Jammu city late Thursday night, plunging the region into panic as residents feared a possible attack. The unsettling sounds, reported across multiple neighborhoods, were accompanied by a complete blackout enforced across Jammu and surrounding districts, including Akhnoor and Samba, heightening anxiety. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause, but preliminary reports suggest the blasts may be linked to military activity or a security operation near sensitive installations.
Eyewitnesses described hearing multiple explosions around 10 PM, followed by air raid sirens and streaks of light in the night sky, possibly from anti-aircraft measures or flares. “The ground shook with each blast, and the sirens were deafening. We switched off all lights and stayed indoors,” said Rhea Sharma, a resident of Gandhi Nagar. Social media posts from locals mentioned sightings of smoke and heightened security presence near Jammu airport and military stations, fueling speculation of a drone incursion or cross-border activity.
The Jammu Police issued an immediate advisory, urging residents to remain calm, stay indoors, and refrain from sharing unverified information. “We are monitoring the situation. Please cooperate with security forces and report any suspicious activity to the control room at 0191-2571912,” the advisory stated. Power outages, described as a precautionary measure, extended to border areas, amplifying fears of a broader security threat.
While no official statement has confirmed casualties or damage, sources indicate that the Indian Army and Air Force were placed on high alert, with patrols intensified along the Line of Control. The incident follows heightened tensions in the region, with recent reports of ceasefire violations and terror-related activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Residents expressed a mix of fear and resilience. “The sounds were terrifying, but we trust our forces to keep us safe,” said Anil Gupta, a shopkeeper in Trikuta Nagar. As investigations continue, the city remains on edge, with authorities working to restore normalcy and clarify the cause of the disturbance.