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NASIR ALI
Srinagar: In the wake of a deadly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, India launched a retaliatory strike early Wednesday on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), including Muridke and Bahawalpur – strongholds of terror groups. As tensions soared across the region, Srinagar and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir were placed on high alert, triggering emergency protocols, civilian panic, and security clampdowns.
Authorities moved quickly to shut down operations at the Srinagar International Airport early Wednesday morning, grounding all commercial flights, including several scheduled Hajj departures. The decision came hours after reports emerged of Indian Air Force jets carrying out precision strikes on suspected terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha took stock of the situation in border districts of J&K UT with all the senior administrative, police and district officials including Deputy Commissioners of all the border districts, earlier this morning.
The Lieutenant Governor is closely monitoring the situation. He reiterated that the government is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality.“We will ensure the safety of every citizen,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor has also directed the Deputy Commissioners for shifting of villagers from vulnerable areas to safer locations and ensuring boarding, lodging, food, medicare and transportation.I’ve also directed the DCs for shifting of villagers from vulnerable areas to safer locations and ensuring boarding, lodging, food, medicare and transportation. We will ensure safety of every citizen,”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired an emergency meeting with Deputy Commissioners of all border districts through video conferencing to assess the situation in the wake of intense cross border shelling in these districts.The situation and preparedness to deal with exigencies was reviewed in view of the current developments and escalating tension particularly along the LOC and districts close to the international border. Underscoring the paramount importance of safeguarding civilian lives, CM Omar Abdullah called for strengthening infrastructure with regard to providing shelters and bunkers for public in border areas, keeping evacuation plans ready, ensuring sufficient stock of food supplies.
In respect of medical assistance, the Chief Minister directed Health Department to maintain sufficient stock of essential medical supplies, ensuring availability of doctors, paramedics and keeping blood supply ready in case of any depletion in hospitals, especially in vulnerable areas.
As rumors spread of possible retaliatory action from across the border, long queues began to form outside ration depots in Srinagar. Residents rushed to procure essentials like rice, wheat, flour, and cooking oil. “We heard the airport was shut, and we don’t know how long this situation will last. We have stocked enough food for at least two weeks,” said Rubina Begum, a resident of Bemina, who had been waiting in line since 9 a.m.
Medical shops, too, witnessed an unusual surge in customers. People rushed to buy routine medications, first-aid kits, and supplies for chronic conditions. Pharmacist Zahoor Ahmed, who runs a store in the Srinagar area, said he hadn’t seen such a rush since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. “People are buying antibiotics, painkillers, asthma inhalers, everything. We ran out of several items by afternoon,” he said.
Adding to the urgency, several major hospitals in Srinagar painted red crosses on their rooftops—an international signal requesting non-targeting during conflicts. “It’s a precautionary measure. We are coordinating with the Red Cross and local NGOs to ensure the hospital remains safe and functional,” said Official of Srinagar Hospital.
Meanwhile, panic was also evident on the streets. In the old city areas, families were seen hastily, withdrawing cash from ATMs, and securing their homes. Schools and colleges were declared shut until further notice. The cancellation of Hajj flights added to the emotional toll for many families. “My mother has waited all her life for this journey. Her name came in the draw this year, and everything was ready.
Now, we don’t even know if she’ll be able to go,” said Farooq Wani, a resident of Srinagar.Meanwhile, Cyber Police Kashmir advised people not to Share or upload any content related to security deployments or operations on social media. Such actions pose serious risks and will invite strict legal action under relevant laws, Exercise responsibility, as such acts compromise public safety.
