India-Pakistan Tensions: Punjab, Rajasthan on High Alert; Leaves Cancelled, Schools Shut in Border Districts

• May 8, 2025

In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the border states of Punjab and Rajasthan have gone on high alert, ramping up security and emergency preparedness across frontline districts.

Punjab shares a 532-km border with Pakistan, while Rajasthan’s border stretches approximately 1,070 km. Both states have activated comprehensive contingency measures following India’s recent military action, known as Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Punjab: Police Leaves Cancelled, Schools Closed

The Punjab Police have cancelled all leaves for officers and personnel with immediate effect, permitting exemptions only under “extraordinary circumstances.” Police sources said the force will be focused on:

• Maintaining law and order

• Curbing rumour-mongering and hoarding

• Assisting the Defence forces and National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF)

• Liaising with the Border Security Force (BSF) to support civilians in sensitive areas

In addition, the state government has closed all schools in six border districts — Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran — until further notice as a precautionary step.

Rajasthan: High Alert and Emergency Readiness

The Rajasthan government has taken similar measures. Leaves of all administrative officials and police personnel in border regions have been cancelled, with approvals now required from a “competent authority” in exceptional cases.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma directed the police and civil administration to remain on high alert. A high-level review meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant and DGP U.R. Sahoo, was held with divisional commissioners, district collectors, IGPs, and SPs. Officials were instructed to stay stationed at their respective headquarters and intensify security vigilance.

Meanwhile, all schools — both government and private — have been shut in four border districts of Rajasthan: Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer.

Authorities in both states have also begun preparations to deal with any emergency situation that may arise in the wake of border tensions.