All posts by webadmin

Airports Closed: Chandigarh International Airport is closed until further notice following India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan. This precautionary measure has suspended all domestic and international flights, affecting numerous travellers.

Reported by:Poviet KaurEdited by:Avni Arya

Updated May 7, 2025, 14:43 IST

Chandigarh, Amritsar Airports Closed Until Further Notice (representational)

Chandigarh Airport: The Chandigarh International Airport has been shut down until further notice, following India’s bold and coordinated assault, Operation Sindoor, on terror camps in Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The closure, announced as a precautionary measure, has led to a complete suspension of both domestic and international flights, impacting hundreds of travellers across the region.

“All Flights Suspended Until Further Notice”

Ajay Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Chandigarh International Airport Ltd (CHIAL), confirmed the indefinite suspension of operations, “All domestic and international flights will remain suspended until further notice.”The Indian Air Force has now taken full control of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh to ensure military preparedness, amid concerns of possible retaliatory strikes from across the border.

Amritsar Airport Also Closed; 22 Flights Cancelled

Security has also been heightened at Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar, which lies just 32 kilometres from the Pakistan border. The airport was initially ordered to remain closed until 10 AM, but the closure has now been extended indefinitely.“All 22 flights scheduled for today from Amritsar have been cancelled,” confirmed ADCP-2 Shrivinaila, adding,

“Orders have been issued to keep the airport closed until further notice. Passengers have been informed about the flight cancellations via messages.”The proximity of Amritsar to Muridke in Pakistan — just 60 km away — where one of the key terror targets was struck during Operation Sindoor, has played a major role in the heightened alert.

Operation Sindoor: What Prompted the Closure?

The airspace restrictions and airport closures follow a massive overnight military offensive, dubbed Operation Sindoor, which saw the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force strike nine terror sites in Pakistan’s Punjab province and PoK. The strikes reportedly killed 80 to 90 terrorists, including 25–30 each in Bahawalpur and Muridke — known strongholds of terror infrastructure.As per reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally approved the name Operation Sindoor, underlining the mission’s strategic and political gravity.

Nationwide Vigil: Paramilitary on Alert, Airspace Under Watch

In light of potential retaliatory threats, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is keeping a close watch on Indian airspace. Civil aviation services have also been suspended at border airports in Gujarat, including Bhuj, Porbandar, and Rajkot.Meanwhile, leaves of all paramilitary forces have been cancelled to maintain peak readiness. The situation is being closely monitored at the highest levels, with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan briefing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the South Block in Delhi.Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Chandigarh News, City and around the world.

Air traffic disruptions rippled across Asia as India’s retaliatory strikes in Pakistan and POK led to the shutdown of 18 airports and cancellation of over 200 flights across domestic and international sectors.

Services of several air-carriers took a hit on Wednesday after India launched military strikes in Pakistan. (Representative image)

India Today News Desk

New Delhi,UPDATED: May 7, 2025 17:54 IST

In Short

• 18 airports, including Srinagar and Chandigarh, temporarily shut
• Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet suspended operations
• IndiGo cancelled 160 flights; Delhi airport saw 35 cancellations

Over 200 flights were cancelled and at least 18 airports — including Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar and Chandigarh — were shut temporarily on Wednesday, following missile strikes launched by Indian armed forces in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).

The Indian armed forces targeted nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including Jaish-e-Mohammad’s stronghold in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke. The offensive followed the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

The fallout on air traffic was immediate and widespread. Flight operations were suspended across key northern and western airports, including Jammu, Pathankot, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Shimla, Dharamshala and Jamnagar, amid heightened security restrictions.

Khawaja Asif also noted that he was not aware of any potential diplomatic engagements or talks being planned between the two countries at this stage

Ubeer Naqushbandi Tribune News Service

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday said Islamabad is open to reducing tensions with India, provided New Delhi chooses to de-escalate the current situation.

His remarks came in the wake of India’s military strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor, conducted in the early hours of Wednesday.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Asif stressed that Pakistan would not initiate hostilities but would respond if provoked.

“We have consistently maintained over the past two weeks that we will not initiate any hostile action against India. However, if we are attacked, we will respond,” he said.

“If India chooses to step back, we are fully prepared to wind down this tension.”

Asif also noted that he was not aware of any potential diplomatic engagements or talks being planned between the two countries at this stage.

India’s strikes targeted nine terror-related sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s marquee tourist resort–Pahalgam, leaving 26 people dead and at least 20 injured.

Indian armed forces early on Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor

Pakistan’s National Security Council on Wednesday said the country’s armed forces have been duly authorised to undertake retaliation “at a time, place and manner of its choosing” to avenge the loss of innocent Pakistani lives in Indian military strikes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over the National Security Council (NSC) meeting, which was attended by cabinet ministers, chief ministers, all services chiefs and senior officers to discuss the situation.

Indian armed forces early on Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.

An NSC statement warned that in consonance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, Pakistan reserves the right to respond, in self-defence, “at a time, place, and manner of its choosing” to avenge the loss of innocent Pakistani lives in the Indian strikes.

“The Armed Forces of Pakistan have duly been authorised to undertake corresponding actions in this regard,” the NSC statement said.

Sharif is set to hold a cabinet meeting and share details with the nation through his address in parliament.

The NSC meeting described the strikes as India’s “unprovoked” and unlawful act of war” and said the NSC “unequivocally condemned” what it called as the blatant violations of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, “which manifestly constitute acts of war under international law,” the statement said.

The deceased has been identified as Govind, a farm labourer from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana

Sukhmeet Bhasin Tribune News Service

A civilian was killed and nine others injured when an unidentified aircraft crashed and caught fire in Aklian Kalan village of Bathinda district in the early hours of Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Govind, a farm labourer from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana. The crash occurred around 2 am in harvested wheat fields, approximately 500 meters from the nearest residential area.

According to eyewitnesses, several farm labourers were at the local grain market late Tuesday night when they noticed an aircraft flying unusually low.

Moments later, it crashed into the fields.As some people approached the burning wreckage, an explosion took place, killing Govind on the spot and injuring nine others.

There is no official information yet regarding the pilot or the origin of the aircraft.Authorities have cordoned off the area, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash and the identity of the aircraft.

UT to conduct mock drill today, 10-minute blackout at 7.30 pm

OPSINDOOR:INDIASTRIKESPAK,MISSILES DESTROY TERROR BASES Pak military bases spared, India says response measured, huge blast in Srinagar

Operation Sindoor LIVE: India avenges Pahalgam attack; strikes 9 terror targets in Pakistan, PoK

Decoding Operation Sindoor: What made these 9 terror camps a priority?

Headquarters of terror groups JeM, LeT, Hizbul Mujahideen hit in IAF strikes: Sources. P

Pak resorts to heavy shelling along LoC in Jammu region, civilian areas targeted

Why Pakistan’s Bahawalpur stands out among 9 places targeted by India

Amid rising tensions Pinaka range to be doubled from existing 90 km

UN chief Antonio Guterres calls for ‘maximum military restraint’ from India and Pakistan

India briefs US on ‘targeted airstrikes’ on terror camps in Pakistan

People knew something was going to happen: Trump on Indian strikes on Pak

Pakistan Army says India launches air strikes early Wednesday, vows to respond

Exercise at two sites in city at 4 pm

o strengthen disaster preparedness and enhance the coordination among emergency response agencies, the UT Administration will conduct a full-scale mock drill and a blackout for 10 minutes at 7.30 pm tomorrow. Amid escalation with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Central Government has decided to conduct mock drills at various places across the country.

Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav today convened a comprehensive review meeting with key stakeholders. The meeting was attended by SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, senior officers of the UT Administration, representatives of residents’ welfare associations and market welfare associations, and other associations.

The meeting focused on the execution plan and logistical preparedness for a full-scale mock drill for building collapse and fire incident at two locations in Chandigarh at 4 pm. “As part of the drill, air raid warning sirens will be activated across the city, in response of which complete blackout is to be voluntarily implemented by all residents of the city from 7.30 pm to 7.40 pm tomorrow,” said the DC.

During the blackout, citizens have been asked to stay home and turn off all indoor and outdoor lights. Those driving can park their vehicles on the roadside and turn off the lights. After 7.40 pm, normal/routine activities may be carried out by citizens. The blackout will be conducted in a controlled and supervised manner to assess the response and adaptability of emergency services.

The DC said the exercise would not apply to medical establishments. However, they should remain informed and alert.

Yadav said the exercise was a part of the Administration’s continued efforts to evaluate and enhance the efficacy of emergency response mechanisms in real-time situations. It would involve coordinated participation of multiple agencies, including the Fire and Emergency Services, the police, Health Department, the MC and the disaster management authorities. In addition, trained volunteers from the Civil Defence, National Service Scheme (NSS), and National Cadet Corps (NCC) will play an active role in the mock scenarios.

The DC asked public to extend their full cooperation during the mock drill. He requested the citizens to stay calm, avoid panic, and not believe or circulate any rumours regarding the mock drill activities. “The drill is purely a preparedness exercise and does not pose any real threat. Such mock drills shall be carried out in the coming days,” he said.

PUBLIC ADVISORY

Before the drill

Charge your phone and power bank the night before

Keep battery/solar powered flashlight/torch, valid ID card handy

Prepare a family emergency kit: water, dry food, basic medicines

Be aware of alerts

Learn siren signals (e.g. long continuous — alert, short — all-clear)

Stay tuned to radio/TV for official updates

Identify a secure interior room or basement as shelter

Practice family drills — switch of lights, gather in safe zone within 1-2 minutes

Note Emergency numbers (Police 112, Fire 101, Ambulance 120)

During the drill

Do not panic on hearing air raid sirens or announcements

Obey instructions from police, school authorities, or any government authority

Gather in the safe zone immediately

During blackout

Stay indoors and away from windows

If driving, park your vehicle on the roadside and turn off its lights

Turn off all indoor and outdoor lights during alerts

Switch off electrical appliancesEnsured children, elderly people and pets are supervised all the time

Avoid use of phones or LED devices near windows

Use thick curtains or cover windows with cardboard

Don’t spread unverified information on WhatsApp or social media

India said on early Wednesday that it has car ried out Operation Sindoor hitting terrorist infra structure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India targeted the terror infrastructure from where terrorist attacks have been planned and directed, the Army said. As this paper went to print at 2.45 am, reports spoke of a huge explosion in Srinagar. Its sources could not be confirmed. Altogether, nine sites have been targeted, it said. ”Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been target ed. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution,” the Indian Army said. ”These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” it said. In a high-level meeting with the top defence brass, Prime Minister Modi on April 29 gave the armed forces “complete opera tional freedom” to decide on the mode, targets and timing of the response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Modi also empha sised the national resolve to deal a “crushing blow to terrorism”. In Islamabad, the Pakistan Army claimed that India had launched air strikes against the country in early Wednesday, vowing to respond to the attack. A Reuters report said multiple loud explosions were heard in several places in Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday. After the explosions, power was blacked out in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir, wit nesses said. It was not immediately clear what the explosions were. Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that missile strikes were fired by India at Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Bahawalpur in Punjab. “Some time ago, India launched air strikes on Subhanullah mosque in Bahwalpur’s Ahmed East area, Kotli and Muzaffarabad at three places from the air,” he told ARY News channel. “All of our air force jets are airborne. This coward ly and shameful attack was carried out from within India’s airspace. They were never allowed to come and intrude into the space of Pakistan, he said. “Let me say it unequivo cally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choos ing. This heinous provoca tion will not go unan swered,” he added. He said that damage assessments are ongoing and that he would provide more information later. This “temporary happi ness” that India has achieved with this attack will be replaced with enduring grief, he added. Earlier in the day. United Nations Security Council member nations told Islamabad to sort out the Kashmir dispute bilateral ly, thwarting Pakistan’s attempt to internationalise the situation in Kashmir in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. At a closed-door consul tation, the UNSC called for de-escalation and dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad as several mem ber nations came down heavily on Pakistan and posed tough questions over the terror group Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) operating from its soil, according to a news agency report. The UNSC members nations pointed out to Islamabad that tourists were gunned down after segregation based on reli gion, and condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in the Kashmir Valley that took place April 22, in which 26 people lost their lives. Islamabad was told that its nuclear rhetoric and missile tests were escalating tension with India. Also, Pakistan’s “false flag” narrative accusing India was soundly reject ed, the reports suggested