Rajasthan on high alert amid border tensions; CM Bhajan Lal Sharma reviews security measures
Jaipur (Rajasthan): Amid rising tensions along the international border, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma chaired a high-level meeting to assess and strengthen the state’s security apparatus, with particular attention to border regions, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Friday.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to stay on heightened alert and directed the immediate reinforcement of security systems across the state.
The meeting followed incidents involving Pakistani drones, which were intercepted by Indian air defence units over Jaisalmer. Witnesses reported hearing explosions and observing flashes in the sky. In response, authorities enforced blackouts in Bikaner and several other areas, including parts of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir—specifically Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, Amritsar and Jalandhar.
“In view of the tense situation arising on the border, he gave instructions regarding security arrangements across the state, especially in the border districts. The Chief Minister also gave instructions regarding cancelling the leave of all government employees and making them present at the headquarters,” the CMO statement noted.
In a show of solidarity, senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot voiced support for the armed forces and urged the public to remain calm. “The Indian Army is capable of handling all kinds of situations. The Indian Army has given a befitting reply to Pakistan's actions on the Rajasthan border as well,” said Gehlot.
He further appealed for collective resolve in the face of external threats: “I request all the residents of the state not to panic at all, remain patient, alert and cautious and follow the guidelines issued by the government. The army should give a befitting reply to the enemy. The ruling party and the opposition are united in this decisive battle against terrorism and the entire country is with the army and the government. India has already split Pakistan into two parts and even now our victory is certain due to our unity and the valour of the army.”
The latest developments come in the wake of Operation Sindoor, launched by India in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror strike. Under this operation, India carried out targeted precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), reaffirming that any attack on military installations would be met with an appropriate and firm response.