Loud Blasts Rattle Amritsar as Second Balckout of the Night Sparks Panic; Authorities Deny Explosions

Amritsar May 8, 2025: Amritsar witnessed a night of confusion and fear as loud noises reportedly shook several parts of the city shortly after 1:00 AM on May 8, 2025. Residents from multiple neighborhoods took to social media claiming they heard explosive sounds, prompting speculation of possible attacks or military activity.

The disturbances were followed by a second round of blackout orders issued by the local administration between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, during which power was cut and residents were asked to remain indoors. This came just days after a previous blackout was imposed as a precautionary measure amid heightened cross-border tensions.

Despite widespread accounts of loud bangs and power outages, the Amritsar police denied any confirmed explosions in the city. “There is no evidence of any blasts. The situation is being closely monitored,” a senior official said. The administration has remained tight-lipped on whether the blackout was linked to any specific threat or operation.

In a related development, AirAsia announced the temporary suspension of all flights to and from Amritsar from May 7 to May 9 due to the closure of Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. This has added to travel uncertainty in the region.

The current tension comes in the wake of India’s recent military strikes targeting alleged terror infrastructure across the border. Pakistan has responded with strong statements, warning of “appropriate retaliation,” leading to tightened security in border districts like Amritsar.

As fear and speculation mount, officials continue to urge the public to refrain from spreading rumors and follow only verified updates. However, the repeated blackouts and the absence of clear explanations have left many residents anxious and demanding transparency.