On Sunday security agencies conducted a blackout drill for half an hour in border town Ferozepur. As siren started all lights were turned off as per an advisory issued by the Cantonment Board.
Residents were informed about the drill through a letter issued by the board. It had advised the residents to remain indoors and keep the lights out from 9 pm to 9.30 pm.
Depury Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma had assured residents of Ferozepur no need to panic as this blackout is just a part of routine drill in such condition.
But everyone here is in “panic” mode, keeping themselves glued to the media channels and social media to get the latest updates, though outwardly things appear “normal”.
Earlier also, as it happened during the Kargil war and after the attack on Parliament, the contours of a “war-like” scenario can already be felt here. Old-timers are smelling some action on the ground and have been sharing their experiences of the 1965 and 1971 wars.
Harmanbir Gill, Deputy Inspector General, Ferozepur Range, said that the police were keeping a close watch on anti-social elements, smugglers and history-sheeters, besides increasing the overall vigil. As per the information available, toll barriers are being monitored so that any movement of vehicles is not shared with external elements. Social media is also being actively scanned.