In response to heightened security alerts amid air strike attempts from Pakistan, authorities in Punjab’s Chandigarh, Mohali, and Amritsar have imposed a series of emergency measures, including early closure of commercial establishments and blackout orders.
All shops and establishments, including restaurants, in Chandigarh have been directed to close by 7:00 PM today, May 9, 2025. However, medical shops are exempt from the order.
In Mohali, the administration has ordered all cinema halls and shopping complexes to shut from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily, effective today, until further notice. The directive was issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, by District Magistrate Komal Mittal. “Use of inverter, generator and any other power backup for outdoor lights… may invite any terror/drone attack in District S.A.S. Nagar,” the order read.
The order also imposes a total blackout during the night hours, banning all outdoor lighting through power backups such as inverters, generators, and solar lights. Firecrackers and long-beam laser or DJ lights are strictly prohibited in the evenings. Residents have been asked not to step out unless absolutely necessary, and to strictly comply with any sirens or emergency signals.
Amritsar too has stepped up its preparedness. The local administration announced that blackout drills will no longer be conducted. Instead, residents have been instructed to treat any sounding of a siren as a real alert and immediately switch off all lights.
