Jalandhar: War tensions and heavy rains disrupt city life

Jalandhar: The year 2025 will be remembered as a time when the distant thought of war suddenly entered everyday conversations, homes, and classrooms. For the people of Jalandhar district, tensions between India and Pakistan transformed everyday life into days and nights filled with fear and uncertainty. People spent sleepless nights listening to loud explosions, suspected drone strikes, and emergency alerts reverberating across the city. For two or three consecutive nights, Jalandhar was gripped by panic as people reported hearing loud noises from above. Children, who had never experienced such an atmosphere before, were visibly frightened, while adults struggled to reassure their families amid the rapidly changing situation. As anxiety spread, its effects were felt on the streets and in the markets. Panic buying was witnessed at supermarkets and grocery stores, with long lines forming right from opening time. People lined up with overflowing carts, waiting to stock up on essential supplies. Wheat flour, rice, pulses, cooking oil, and other daily essentials were purchased in bulk as families prepared to stay indoors for weeks if the situation worsened. Shop owners reported an unusual surge in demand. The fear wasn’t limited to supply.

Migrant workers and families living away from their homes began leaving the city, hoping to find safety in their hometowns. The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police also implemented strict security measures to prevent any untoward incident. The Police Commissioner issued several directives aimed at tightening surveillance across the city. Hotels, motels, guest houses, and inns were instructed not to accommodate anyone without verified identification documents. “All guests must submit a self-attested copy of a valid government-issued photo ID, and their mobile number must be verified at the venue,” the Commissioner said, emphasizing the need for caution during these tense times. The announcement of a one-hour mock drill with a complete blackout further escalated the situation. When the drill was first conducted, compliance was almost complete, especially in Jalandhar Cantonment, where lights went out immediately. Streets fell silent, windows were darkened, and people followed instructions with discipline, knowing that preparedness can save lives in a real emergency.
The most alarming incident occurred on the night of May 9-10, when several drone sightings and missile-related incidents were reported. Intermittent explosions were heard in parts of Jalandhar, further fueling panic. In Kangniwal village, near Adampur, people were awakened by a loud explosion around 1:30 a.m. Villagers who emerged later saw missile debris scattered nearby. Immediately afterward, the district administration imposed an immediate blackout at 1:30 a.m., which remained in effect until 6 a.m. Officials urged people to stay indoors and refrain from spreading rumors. Missile debris was also reported from Mand Maur village near Kartarpur and Rampur Khalian village near Phagwara. Issuing an official statement, the Deputy Commissioner confirmed that Jalandhar was on red alert, saying, “Several objects were spotted and neutralized by the Army.” People were repeatedly advised to remain calm and limit their outdoor activities. In light of the evolving situation, the Punjab government ordered the closure of all educational institutions for three days, prioritizing student safety amid the escalating border tensions.
As peace gradually returned, 2025 left behind more than just memories of fear. For Jalandhar, Operation Sindoor wasn’t just a military operation; it was a moment when war felt very close to home. In 2025, the city also experienced continuous rain for several days, bringing normal life to a standstill. The incessant rain submerged major roads, flooded key intersections, and caused massive traffic disruptions, making it difficult for commuters to navigate the flooded roads. Several residential areas were also affected as rainwater entered homes and low-lying settlements. According to initial estimates by the district administration, the heavy rains caused partial or complete damage to over 300 houses in Jalandhar district. In light of the worsening situation, the Punjab state government also announced the closure of schools across the city for eight days due to flooding and safety concerns. The rains also disrupted students’ academic schedules. Due to the incessant rain and the forecast of more rain, Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal also ordered the closure of all private and government schools, elementary and secondary, in the district. He stated that this decision was taken because students and teachers were facing significant difficulties in commuting due to flooding and inclement weather.