Families start evacuating women, kids and elderly from villages bordering Pakistan

Border states Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat reported mass displacement, school closures, flight suspensions, and heightened security amid escalating Indo-Pak tension.

In Punjab's Ferozepur district, families from villages like Hazara Singh Wala, Gatti Rajo Ke, Teindiwala, and Tapu began moving elderly, women, and children to safer areas. "The situation in our village turned critical following Operation Sindoor . We fear Pakistan will retaliate," said Jagtar Singh.

Darbara Singh, relocating his family to Muktsar, described loading belongings onto tractor-trolleys. Local administration has not yet ordered an evacuation. "If the situation worsens, we too may think of moving out," said another resident. Manjit Singh from a frontier village in Ferozepur urged calm. "Whatever is going to happen, will happen. It will be a hi-tech war," he said.

However, cities like Amritsar saw grocery markets overwhelmed as residents rushed to stockpile essentials. Schools in Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot were closed.

Union govt shut down Kartarpur Corridor indefinitely, suspending pilgrim travel to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. "We briefed the pilgrims and advised them to return home," said an official at Dera Baba Nanak's integrated check post. Only 170 of 490 registered pilgrims showed up.

Rajasthan's border districts, including Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Barmer, and Sriganganagar, were placed under high alert. Schools in these areas were shut.

Farmers near Sriganganagar were advised to stay away from the border. "Patrolling has increased," said a resident. Air defence systems in Jaisalmer were fully activated and IAF sorties continued over western Rajasthan. "I am in constant touch with every SP in my range," said Jodhpur range IG Vikas Kumar.

In Gujarat, marine and paramilitary forces intensified patrols along coastal districts like Kutch, Banaskantha, and Patan. "We are ensuring no intrusions occur during this tense period," said a BSF officer. Villagers in Suigam were told to switch off lights at night.