NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, May 8 — India’s border states of Punjab and Rajasthan have been placed on heightened alert following ‘Operation Sindoor’, with sweeping measures that include shutting schools in 10 border districts, cancelling all police leaves, and placing the Chandigarh airport under military control.
These measures come amid escalating tensions with Pakistan after India’s recent cross-border strikes targeting Pakistan.
Punjab, which shares a 532-km border with Pakistan, and Rajasthan, which shares a 1,070-km stretch, are at the centre of India’s security build-up.
“All police personnel are to remain on duty until further orders. Leave will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances,” said a senior Punjab Police official.
The police have been instructed to assist defence forces, support the NDRF in any emergencies, counter misinformation, and maintain coordination with the BSF to ensure civilian safety in border zones.
As a precaution, the Punjab government has closed all schools in six border districts—Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran—until further notice.
Rajasthan has adopted similar measures. Police and administrative officials stationed in the four key border districts of Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer have also been called back from leave.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered the move in response to the rising tension. “Every measure is being taken to safeguard civilians and ensure rapid response to any eventuality,” an official said.
Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant and DGP U.R. Sahoo also convened a review meeting with senior district and police officials, ordering them to stay at their headquarters and enhance state-wide preparedness.
The Indian Air Force has also taken operational control of the Chandigarh and Amritsar airports.