Punjab and Rajasthan on high alert amid India-Pakistan tensions

Chandigarh: Punjab and Rajasthan have been placed on high alert following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Both states share extensive borders with the neighbouring country—Punjab with a 532-km border and Rajasthan with approximately 1,070 km.

In Punjab, the police have cancelled the leave of all officers and personnel with immediate effect. Police sources said that leave will now be granted only in the most urgent cases. The decision is aimed at ensuring adequate deployment for maintaining law and order and assisting the defence forces.

Authorities said that the police will monitor the spread of rumours and hoarding, support the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in case of emergencies, and coordinate with the Border Security Force (BSF) to aid civilians in border areas.

The Punjab government has also ordered the closure of schools in six border districts—Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran—as a precautionary measure. “Leave should be granted only in special circumstances with the approval of the competent authority,” read an order issued by the Director General of Police’s office.

Rajasthan has taken similar steps, shutting down all government and private schools in the four border districts of Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer. Officials said local administrations have been directed to remain prepared for any emergency.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has instructed that all police personnel remain on duty and their leave be cancelled in light of the current situation following ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant and DGP UR Sahu held a review meeting with divisional commissioners, district collectors, inspectors general and superintendents of police, directing them to stay stationed at their respective headquarters.