(By Our Correspondent)
Bhuj: As full-scale war has erupted between India and Pakistan, the Pakistani side has reportedly attempted attacks not only near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir but also along the international borders in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat’s Kutch and Banaskantha regions. Fortunately, none of these attempts have been successful. Following Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement confirming that “Operation Sindoor” is still ongoing, India launched powerful retaliatory strikes on Thursday night, plunging parts of Pakistan into chaos.
Residents in Pakistan reportedly spent the entire night under blackout conditions, watching war coverage on their mobile phones. When power was restored early Friday morning, people hurried to recharge their phones, emergency lights, fans, and power banks.
Amidst the tense situation, people in India rushed to the markets to stock up on essential goods. Long queues were seen at grocery stores and fuel stations from early morning.
Bhuj, a critical military base in western India, is believed to be a likely target for missile strikes by Pakistan. In the Arabian Sea, near the India-Pakistan maritime boundary, Indian Navy warships have been patrolling round-the-clock. Meanwhile, Indian police personnel are actively monitoring suspicious activity in border villages.
On Thursday, Pakistan reportedly attempted drone attacks on six locations in Kutch, including Koteshwar. Three of these drones were shot down mid-air, while the remaining three reportedly retreated.
The primary target behind this drone assault was allegedly the world’s largest solar energy project located in Khavda. According to sources, the Indian government has advised the Adani Group, which oversees the project, to remain on high alert.
In response to the escalating situation, movement at private ports in Kandla and Mundra has been restricted, and security has been intensified. Bhuj airport, along with other strategic locations in Gujarat, has been handed over to the military.
The sensitive coastal area from Sir Creek and Harami Nala to Koteshwar and Narayan Sarovar has been sealed off due to security concerns. Reports indicate that after Pakistan deployed weaponized drones into the Arabian Sea, India responded promptly by launching an attack on Karachi, a major Pakistani port.
Meanwhile, mobile police units were deployed across Bhuj from the early morning, and officials warned that blackout conditions may continue. Omprakash Dadlani, Public Relations Officer of Deendayal Port in Kandla, said all necessary precautionary measures are being taken. A mock drill has also been conducted to train personnel in emergency response procedures during aerial attacks.