‘Projectiles Appear To Be Coming in Waves’: Jammu Plunged in Darkness, Loud Explosions Heard

Srinagar: Loud explosions were heard in Jammu city and its adjoining areas on Thursday evening (May 8) amid reports that the air defence system was intercepting projectiles flying into the Indian territory from Pakistan.

Massive explosions and air raid sirens triggered panic in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir with some residents capturing red-hot projectiles flying in the sky with their smartphones.

Some of the projectiles were reportedly intercepted by the defence system. It was not immediately clear whether the projectiles were missiles or drones.

Air raid sirens also went off in Kupwara in north Kashmir, which was targeted by heavy artillery firing on May 6 by Pakistan.

An eyewitness in Jammu, who spoke with The Wire over phone, said that the city has fallen into darkness as residents have turned the lights off as a precautionary measure.

“I just heard three to four heavy explosions. Earlier the blasts were taking place in one direction but now it is happening in a different direction. I don’t know what’s going on but I am concerned for my parents,” the eyewitness said, wishing to remain anonymous.

Another witness requesting anonymity said, “The drones or missiles, whatever they are, appear to be coming in waves. The first wave was in the direction of the airport. After that, each batch feels further in the interior of the city.”

A video purportedly shot by a resident of the main city of Jammu, which is circulating on social media, showed red projectiles flying high in the sky in opposite directions, “Pakistan is at it again. It’s time to teach them a lesson. I extend full support to the army,” a male voice is heard saying.

The video also showed some projectiles, believed to be drones, being brought down by the air defence system. The Wire couldn’t immediately verify the authenticity of the video.

“There is a complete blackout. Commuters are driving their cars by using fog lights. It is a new thing for Jammu,” another eyewitness said.

Former director general of J&K Police, S.P. Vaid posted on X, “Complete blackout in Jammu. Loud explosions – bombing, shelling, or missile strikes suspected. Fret not – Mata Vaishno Devi is with us, and so are the valiant Indian Armed Forces”.

No official statement about the explosions had been made at the time of publication.