Punjab on High Alert After Operation Sindoor; Schools Shut, Police Leaves Cancelled

In response to heightened security concerns following Operation Sindoor, the Punjab government has placed the state on high alert, shutting down schools in border districts and cancelling the leaves of all police personnel, officials confirmed on Thursday.

All educational institutions in six sensitive districts—Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran—have been ordered closed until further notice. The decision comes amid escalating tensions with Pakistan after India conducted precision military strikes targeting terror launchpads across the border.

The pre-dawn strikes carried out by the Indian Armed Forces on Wednesday were part of Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the brutal April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including women and children.

Given Punjab’s strategic location along the international border, the state has implemented a series of precautionary measures to ensure civilian safety and maintain law and order. Senior police officials have been directed to remain on the ground, and emergency protocols are now in place across critical areas.

Authorities have urged residents in the border areas to stay vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies during this sensitive period.