Omar Abdullah urges calm as blasts rock Jammu amid rising tensions

On May 9, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir experienced heightened tensions amidst escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reported hearing intermittent explosions from his location, which he suggested might be due to heavy artillery fire. In a series of social media updates, he urged residents to remain calm and stay indoors, citing a citywide blackout and the sounds of sirens. The blasts were suspected to be linked to cross-border shelling initiated by Pakistan following India's recent drone strikes targeting terror bases across its territory and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The situation intensified as Abdullah visited the city to assess the impact of these events on local residents. He checked on the injured within the Government Medical College Hospital and monitored relief efforts at evacuation camps set up for individuals displaced by the hostilities. The local populace faced panic and uncertainty due to the ongoing violence, prompting officials to reassure citizens through various public communications. Defense sources confirmed sightings of drones in Jammu, Samba, and the Pathankot area of Punjab, indicating preparations and responses against any perceived threats. The Indian Army reported actively engaging unidentified drones with air defense systems, highlighting the seriousness of the security situation. The consistent stream of mortar shelling from Pakistani forces in the Jammu and Samba sectors reflected a retaliatory strategy attributed to the recent actions taken by India. These developments marked a significant escalation in the already fraught relationship between the neighboring countries, as both sides braced for potential further escalations. Abdullah's messages aimed to quell public fears while reaffirming the commitment to supporting affected civilians. Local authorities were tasked with managing relief efforts and ensuring the safety of residents against the backdrop of rising tensions on the Line of Control, a flashpoint in Indo-Pakistani conflicts.