India-Pakistan Conflict: Latest Verified Updates Amid Fake News

KAKALI DAS

In an era where misinformation spreads faster than truth, especially across social media platforms, the line between fact and fiction is increasingly blurred.

The recent escalation between India and Pakistan has set off a storm of panic and confusion, with unverified news stirring unrest among citizens.

In this environment, it becomes imperative to separate confirmed information from hearsay, and focus on the confirmed verified updates on the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict.

The situation took a serious turn late on Thursday night when the Indian armed forces launched a counter-offensive following Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks targeting military facilities across India’s western and northern borders. The Pakistani aggression, focused primarily on military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, prompted India to act decisively.

The missile strikes were aimed at critical infrastructure, including airports and defence installations, in these regions. Key locations, such as the Jammu airport and strategic facilities in Pathankot, were among the targets. India responded to the attack with a well-calculated operation to neutralize the threat.

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The Ministry of Defence confirmed that there were no casualties or significant material damage on the Indian side, and the threats were successfully neutralized through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic means.

In military terms, “kinetic” refers to the use of physical weaponry, such as missiles or bombs, and “non-kinetic” measures involve defensive strategies like jamming systems or air drone nets. India’s air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple missiles fired by Pakistan, particularly those aimed at the Jammu region.

The Air Defence units were able to stop eight missiles fired towards the border areas, including the strategically crucial Jammu airport. This was confirmed by defence sources, which highlighted the rapid response and effective neutralization of the threat.

The situation was further escalated by sightings of drones hovering across the border, particularly in the Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur areas. These drone incursions led to widespread blackouts in cities such as Jammu, Srinagar, and areas in Punjab and Rajasthan.

The authorities swiftly imposed power outages to reduce the risk posed by these drones and to ensure the safety of residents. In Jammu, the blackout was followed by two loud explosions, marking the interception of the intruding drones.

The response to the threat was swift and comprehensive, with widespread precautionary measures. In Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Punjab, schools, colleges, and universities were immediately ordered to close for safety reasons. The Jammu & Kashmir government ordered a two-day closure, while the Punjab government extended the closure for three days.

Besides, the Indian Premier League (IPL) was abruptly suspended in Dharamsala due to air raid sirens and nearby explosions. The situation escalated quickly, forcing players, officials, and the audience to evacuate the stadium.

The authorities took further steps to protect air travel, closing 24 airports across the northern states of India, including major hubs such as Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, and Jodhpur. This temporary closure aimed to ensure that no further attacks could disrupt critical infrastructure.

The government’s response to the crisis involved several crucial measures to secure the country’s borders and ensure that civilians remained safe. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a late-night address, spoke with the heads of India’s border security forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). These forces are responsible for guarding India’s borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, and Bhutan, and their readiness was crucial during this heightened security situation.

The Home Minister discussed the deployment of additional security forces at key locations, including airports, border areas, and vital installations.

The CISF, tasked with safeguarding airports, was given special attention, and passengers were urged to arrive at airports several hours before their flights. Enhanced security checks were implemented, including stricter scrutiny at boarding gates. As a preventive measure, no visitors without valid tickets were allowed inside the airports.

While the situation on the ground was tense, diplomatic efforts continued behind the scenes. Pakistan’s reaction to the escalating conflict came in the form of a statement from its army spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Choudhury. He claimed that Pakistani drones had successfully neutralized Indian drones in several locations, including Lahore, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi and Karachi. Pakistan also claimed that four soldiers were injured during the skirmish in Lahore.

However, confirmed reports told PTI that at least four Indian drones had hit the Lahore Cantonment area.

On the diplomatic front, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, urging Pakistan to take tangible steps to curb its support for terrorist groups.

The international community’s involvement added another layer of complexity to the conflict. Although both India and Pakistan were engaged in a military standoff, there was also a concerted effort to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.

Are We at War?

One of the most pressing questions in the wake of this conflict is whether India is officially at war with Pakistan. US Vice President JD Vance weighed in on this matter, commenting that the conflict, while intense, did not necessarily mean that both countries were officially at war. Instead, he described the situation as an “escalation of hostilities.” The US, while concerned, has refrained from directly intervening, emphasizing the need for both nations to resolve the crisis through diplomatic channels.

“America can’t tell India to lay down their arms. We can’t tell Pakistan to lay down their arms. So we are going to pursue this thing through diplomatic channels. Our hope and our expectation are that it’s not going to spiral into a broader regional war, God forbid a nuclear conflict. We are worried about these things. The job is of cooler heads in India and Pakistan to make sure it does not become a nuclear war. And if it happens, it would be disastrous right now. We don’t think it’s going to happen” – JD Vance said.

India’s official stance, as stated by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, is that India is engaged in a “war against terrorism,” not against Pakistan. The Indian government has been adamant that the core issue remains Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism, and India’s primary goal is to dismantle the terror infrastructure rather than escalate the conflict into a full-scale war.

Ambassador Vijay Mohan Kwatra, in a CNN interview, echoed these sentiments, asserting that India is focused on countering terrorism and that the conflict with Pakistan is rooted in its ongoing support for extremist groups. He emphasized that India’s response has been measured and targeted, aimed at neutralizing threats without escalating the situation further.

What should be do as citizens?

As the situation continues to evolve, the most important thing for citizens to remember is to stay calm and rely on verified information from official sources. While social media and television networks may amplify rumours and misinformation, it is crucial to heed the instructions issued by local governments and law enforcement agencies.

The Indian government has repeatedly assured the public that the situation is under control and that they are taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety. The military has shown remarkable restraint and precision in its actions, responding to threats without escalating tensions unnecessarily.

The Indo-Pakistan conflict, while intense, has not yet led to a formal declaration of war. The situation remains fluid, and both countries are engaged in military operations that have escalated tensions in the region. However, India’s response has been strategic, calculated, and measured, focusing on countering terrorism and neutralizing immediate threats while avoiding a full-scale war.

As citizens, it is important to stay informed, remain calm, and trust the judgment of those responsible for the country’s security. While the situation remains tense, India’s military and political leadership are working to protect the nation and maintain peace without compromising national security. It is crucial to avoid panic and allow time for the diplomatic and military responses to unfold.

09-05-2025

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