Srinagar: Explosions echoed across Indian-administered Kashmir and the Sikh holy city of Amritsar in Punjab late Friday, as India’s military reported intercepting drones amid the most severe hostilities with Pakistan in nearly 30 years.
The blasts in Amritsar—marking the first such strikes outside the Kashmir region since the conflict escalated three days ago—signaled a potential widening of the conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals, raising concerns among global powers.
In Jammu, the winter capital of Indian-administered Kashmir, projectiles and flashes were seen in the night sky during a widespread blackout. This marked the second consecutive night of explosions in the region, according to local officials and a Reuters journalist.
“Drones have been sighted … They are being engaged,” said an Indian military official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
India's army has reported repulsing Pakistan's drone attacks along its western border as both countries have accused each other of launching new military attacks. Dozens have been killed in both countries https://t.co/fs7BkllcHD pic.twitter.com/BkmsszQBi8
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 9, 2025
Security sources reported at least ten blasts near the airport in Srinagar and additional explosions in over a dozen locations across the disputed territory.
Pakistan has not immediately responded to Friday’s developments. However, it had previously rejected Indian claims that it was behind attacks launched on Thursday night in the same region.
The military tensions erupted following Indian strikes on what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” within Pakistan on Wednesday. These strikes were in retaliation for a recent deadly assault on Hindu tourists in Kashmir. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack.
Since the onset of hostilities, both sides have engaged in cross-border shelling, launched drones, and fired missiles into each other’s airspace. Casualty figures remain unverified, but estimates suggest around 48 people have been killed since Wednesday.
The escalation has led to mass evacuations from border areas. Tourists and villagers have fled, citizens have rushed to stockpile essentials, and authorities have urged residents in Kashmir and beyond to remain indoors.
India’s cricket board suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s wealthiest cricket tournament, while the Pakistan Super League (PSL) postponed its remaining eight matches due to security concerns.
Escalating Accusations and Regional Impact
India’s air force accused Pakistan of deploying Turkish-made drones to strike 36 targets across its western and northwestern territories, from Kashmir to regions bordering the Arabian Sea.
India retaliated by launching drone strikes into Pakistan, reportedly destroying an air defence system, according to Indian Air Force officer Vyomika Singh at a press briefing.
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, earlier dismissed India’s accusations as “baseless and misleading”, asserting that Pakistan had not initiated any “offensive actions.”
Meanwhile, in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, local officials reported heavy shelling from across the border that killed five civilians—including an infant—and injured 29 others early Friday morning.
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This round of fighting is the deadliest since the 1999 Kargil conflict between the two nations.
In Amritsar, sirens blared for over two hours as panic gripped the city. The Golden Temple, a revered site for Sikhs, remained heavily guarded. With the local airport shut down, tourists scrambled to leave the city.
“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,” said a British national who requested anonymity.
In Rajasthan’s Bikaner region, schools and coaching centres were closed, and residents near the Pakistan border were asked to relocate—either to relatives’ homes or to temporary shelters set up by the government.
Further south in Gujarat’s Bhuj district, local authorities readied tourist buses to evacuate people from vulnerable border areas if necessary.
India’s Directorate General of Shipping issued a security advisory to ports, terminals, and shipyards, citing rising threats amid the escalating regional tensions.
The conflict has also rattled financial markets. Indian equities recorded their second straight day of losses on Friday, wiping out approximately $83 billion in market value, with both benchmark indexes declining by 1.1%.
In contrast, Pakistan’s benchmark share index (.KSE) closed 3.52% higher. Analysts attributed the rally to a perceived easing of violence in Pakistani territory following the Thursday night confrontations.
