In the early hours of Thursday, May 8, 2025, residents of Amritsar’s border villages, Jethuwal and Pandher, were jolted awake by loud explosions and flashing lights in the sky around 1 a.m., followed by a power outage in the city. The next morning, debris resembling missile fragments was discovered in fields and atop houses, sparking widespread panic and raising concerns about regional security.

Parkash Singh, a local resident, recounted the events, stating that after the explosion, a part of the missile fell into a field in Jethuwal, while debris was found scattered over nearby houses. Villagers promptly alerted the police, who arrived and collected the remnants.

Advocate Jaswinder Singh, another resident, described the scene: “I woke up with a start on hearing the explosion. Soon, other members of the family and relatives in the city started calling up because they had also heard the blast.” He noted that pieces of metal were found on the terrace of a nearby building, and another object was located in Pandher village under Majitha police station.

Police officials, when approached for comment, declined to provide details, citing a change in protocol that restricted them from discussing the matter.

While there has been no official confirmation regarding the cause of the explosions and the nature of the debris, the timing coincides with heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. On Wednesday, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, mostly tourists.

Amritsar, located approximately 30 kilometers from the international border, remains on high alert as authorities investigate the origins of the missile debris and assess potential security threats. The discovery has intensified concerns over the possibility of cross-border aggression and the safety of civilians in border regions.

The situation has prompted local leaders to call for increased vigilance and enhanced security measures to protect residents from potential threats. As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, awaiting further information from authorities.