Kashmir and Punjab Air Defence Explosions Intensify India-Pakistan Conflict After Decades
A dramatic escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan has plunged parts of the subcontinent into crisis, with multiple explosions reported across Indian Kashmir and Punjab on Friday night. The military confrontation, now in its third consecutive day, is being described as the most intense in nearly thirty years, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. As drone attacks, missile strikes, and heavy shelling impact civilian zones, the global community watches with concern as the two nuclear-armed neighbours inch dangerously close to war.
Explosions Shake Indian Cities as Conflict Expands
Late Friday evening, loud blasts rocked both the Indian-administered region of Kashmir and the neighbouring Sikh-majority city of Amritsar in Punjab. The Indian military confirmed that drones were sighted and were being engaged as part of heightened security operations. In Jammu, the winter capital of Kashmir, the city was plunged into darkness amid ongoing explosions, with flashes and projectiles visible in the night sky.
The explosions in Amritsar were particularly alarming, as it was the first time the city had experienced such direct impacts in the latest wave of conflict. Multiple security officials reported that ten loud blasts were heard near Srinagar’s airport, along with explosions in over a dozen other areas throughout the Kashmir Valley.
Origins of the Escalation Between India and Pakistan
The current wave of hostilities was triggered when India launched airstrikes across the border into Pakistan on Wednesday, targeting what it described as “terrorist infrastructure.” These strikes followed a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that killed several Hindu tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the attack and acted in retaliation.
Pakistan denied any involvement and dismissed the Indian claims as “baseless and misleading.” The reciprocal strikes and cross-border engagements escalated further on Thursday night, with reports of heavy artillery fire, missile deployments, and the use of drone warfare.
Mutual Aerial Strikes and Civilian Deaths
India’s air force claimed Pakistan deployed Turkish drones to carry out coordinated attacks on 36 different locations, from Kashmir to states bordering the Arabian Sea. In response, India said it launched drone strikes against Pakistan, successfully destroying one of its air defense systems. Air Force officer Vyomika Singh presented these developments in a media briefing, underlining the sophistication and seriousness of the attacks.
Meanwhile, officials in Pakistani-administered Kashmir confirmed that Indian shelling had killed five civilians, including an infant, and wounded 29 others early Friday morning. With casualty estimates rising from both sides, the overall death toll since Wednesday stands at around 48. These figures, however, remain unverified by independent sources.
Civilian Panic and Mass Evacuations Near Border Zones
As violence escalated, residents living in conflict zones faced growing fear and confusion. In Kashmir and Punjab, tourists and villagers began fleeing, with many rushing to stockpile food and seek shelter indoors. In Amritsar, continuous air-raid sirens and blackouts drove tourists out of the city.
One British tourist, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We really wanted to stay but the loud sounds, sirens, and blackouts are giving us sleepless nights. Our families back home are worried for us so we have booked a cab and are leaving.”
In India’s Rajasthan state, authorities ordered the closure of schools and educational centers in the Bikaner region, while residents near the Pakistani border were advised to relocate to government-arranged shelters or stay with relatives further inland. In Gujarat’s Bhuj area, officials placed tourist buses on standby to assist in potential evacuations of vulnerable communities.
Impact on Sports, Economy, and National Morale
The widening conflict has also impacted national activities and morale. On Friday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suspended the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), the richest tournament in the sport. Similarly, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was forced to postpone its remaining eight matches amid rising security concerns.
Financial markets were quick to react to the instability. On Friday, Indian shares plummeted for the second day in a row, wiping out over $83 billion in market value. The benchmark indices each fell by 1.1%, sending ripples through investor confidence.
Ironically, Pakistan’s benchmark share index rose by 3.52%, which some traders attributed to the apparent drop in attacks on Pakistani soil after Thursday. However, market analysts remain cautious, noting that investor sentiment could swing quickly based on further developments.
Government Advisories and Maritime Security Alerts
Amidst the growing concerns over regional safety, India’s Directorate General of Shipping issued a high-alert directive to ports, shipyards, and terminals across the country. The advisory emphasized increased vigilance due to potential threats to maritime and coastal infrastructure.
Authorities are also examining vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, including railways, airports, and major dams, fearing that strategic assets could be targeted as hostilities intensify. Reports suggest that coordination between India’s security agencies and state governments has been scaled up to prepare for prolonged instability.
A Longstanding Rivalry Reignites
The deep-rooted animosity between India and Pakistan dates back to the 1947 partition that followed independence from British colonial rule. Since then, the two nations have fought three wars—two of which were over Kashmir—and have experienced countless skirmishes and border tensions.
The last major confrontation was in 1999 during the Kargil conflict, when both sides engaged in intense mountain warfare. The latest flare-up is considered the most severe since that time and is being watched closely by the international community due to the nuclear capabilities of both nations.
Despite years of attempts at peace, backchannel diplomacy, and global mediation efforts, the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved, fueled by territorial claims, militancy, and political distrust.
Global Concerns Over Nuclear Escalation
The reemergence of full-scale hostilities between India and Pakistan has alarmed global leaders. Several countries, including the United States, China, and members of the European Union, have issued statements urging both sides to de-escalate and pursue dialogue. However, both New Delhi and Islamabad appear entrenched in their positions.
Experts warn that even a limited conflict between the two nations carries the potential for devastating consequences, especially given the presence of nuclear weapons. With both governments using aggressive rhetoric, military experts are emphasizing the importance of open communication lines to prevent misunderstandings that could spiral out of control.
Humanitarian organizations have also raised alarms about the welfare of civilians caught in the crossfire, particularly in remote border regions where access to medical care, food, and clean water is now severely compromised.
Media Narratives and Information Warfare
Alongside the physical conflict, an information war is playing out in newsrooms and online platforms. Media houses in both countries are circulating nationalistic narratives, with each side blaming the other for the outbreak of violence. This flood of conflicting reports has made it difficult for international observers to gain a clear picture of the situation on the ground.
In India, official briefings by military and political leaders have emphasized Pakistan’s alleged aggression, while Pakistani officials continue to deny involvement and accuse India of unwarranted provocation. The propagation of unverified videos, aerial footage, and conflicting casualty figures has further clouded public understanding of the crisis.
Observers note that digital propaganda and cyber operations have become a new front in modern warfare, influencing public perception and diplomatic positions. Both India and Pakistan are investing heavily in shaping the global narrative in their favour as the conflict unfolds.
