Violations during blackouts leave city residents worried, control room set up

The frequent blackouts and a night of aerial attacks from Pakistan directed towards Punjab and deftly intercepted by the Indian Armed Forces have caused the veterans to recall the 1965 and 71 wars. Citizens who witnessed those times said despite lack of technology, residents were much more co-operative then.

Despite two blasts and several sirens being heard in Jalandhar last evening during the most tense blackout witnessed post Operation Sindoor until now, the plying of vehicles, little flickering lights at mobile towers and balconies or on CCTV cameras persisted. However, the blackout adherence by residents was still better than the one on May 7.

Social activist Surinder Saini, who was a small boy in the 1965 and 71 wars, said the blackouts reminded him of the situation then. Saini also complained to the district administration today against lights which stayed on during the blackout.

Surinder Saini said, “It wasn’t so modern and hi-tech back then. If a bomb fell, it fell. No one intercepted it. So that is a sterling feat by the armed forces who stay vigilant to protect us. I still remember, in 1965, word had spread that a woman had lit a candle to milk cows at the Ghorewahi village in Jalandhar. And due to her, the entire village was bombed. We had specially gone to see the site of the village next morning. A group of youths used to set out from home to home asking people to cover windows so that not even a sliver of light may not escape out during blackout. People were much more law abiding. Now, no one cares.”

Saini added, “CCTV cameras are linked to inverters or emergency lighting which defeats the entire purpose of the blackout. A small light also appears clearly during such time. Scooters and cars also plied openly, oblivious to the threat they pose. I registered a complaint regarding that today and also visited some homes as part of Defence Committee to spread awareness.”

While two explosions were heard near Jalandhar last night, one of these emanated reportedly from near NIT where it was clearly heard.

The DC issued control room number 0181-2224417 to citizens in case of an emergency.