New Delhi: As tensions between India and Pakistan escalated further, district administrations in Rajasthan's border districts issued prohibitory orders through May 10, directing residents to remain indoors until further notice.

A red alert was issued in Barmer, and the district administration imposed a complete lockdown in the region. In a directive issued by the police around noon, residents were instructed to stay indoors and avoid public gatherings.

Barmer District Collector Tina Dabi issued a public notice stating: “All residents are ordered to return to their homes immediately. Markets must be closed, and all public movement is to cease with immediate effect. Authorities have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of these orders. This is an urgent notice.”

The notice, publicised on the district collector’s official X handle, mentioned that partial relaxation would be allowed until 6 pm, with a “blackout to be observed" from that time onwards.

In villages like Kelonor in Barmer, located just 300 metres from the international border, and Nagga village in Sriganganagar, residents have been strictly warned to stay indoors and keep power off throughout the night.

The Barmer district administration issued orders prohibiting people from leaving their villages for Barmer town. “There is a red alert for Barmer, so postpone your travel with immediate effect,” the order stated.

Until Friday, the blackout period was observed from 9 pm to 4 am. On May 10, the blackout will begin at 6 pm.

Other border districts issue similar orders

Similar orders were issued in other border districts, including Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Phalodi, Jodhpur, and Sriganganagar.

In Jaisalmer, police vehicles patrolled the town, announcing the closure of shops and businesses. “Everything will remain closed. Given the current situation, everyone is expected to stay home, and vehicular movement is also stopped,” a police official announced as shown in an ANI video.

Border villages are also in a state of alert, with many residents near the India-Pakistan border attempting to move toward cities. This sudden movement began after reports spread of a large projectile part found in Jaisalmer and neighbouring districts. Unidentified debris was reportedly discovered in Jaisalmer’s Pokhran region on Saturday, with similar fragments found in other villages.

In Bikaner, the district administration has begun evacuating villages within a 20-kilometre radius of the border.

All passenger trains running between Barmer, Jodhpur, and Munabao have been suspended for May 9, chief public relations officer of North Western Railway Shashi Kiran have told media.

Similarly, train services in Jaisalmer too have been affected. Kiran said that the Jaipur-Jaisalmer Express was curtailed up to Bikaner on Thursday (May 8), while the Jaisalmer-Jaipur Express was scheduled to run from Bikaner instead of Jaisalmer on Friday (May 9).

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.