In a dramatic escalation along the India-Pakistan border, Gujarat's Kutch district and several villages in Banaskantha and Patan were thrown into a sudden blackout late Friday. This sweeping power cut came as Indian authorities scrambled to counter potential cross-border threats, with drones spotted hovering ominously over Kutch for two consecutive nights.

The Gujarat Chief Minister's Office confirmed the blackout, warning residents to stay indoors and avoid rumors. The move wasn't just limited to Kutch-villages in Suigam and Vav talukas of Banaskantha, as well as bordering areas of Patan, were also plunged into darkness as a shield against possible enemy action. The blackout was triggered after a drone explosion near Khawda village and missile attacks from Pakistan targeting northern Indian states, pushing the region to high alert.

Security measures intensified: all leaves for state employees were canceled, drone flights were banned for 96 hours, and seven airports were shut to civil aviation until May 15. Hospitals near the border were stocked with doctors and medicines, and mock drills prepared locals for emergencies. Military forces and the Air Force remain on high alert, closely monitoring every movement along the tense frontier.

With the situation evolving rapidly, Gujarat's border districts brace for the unexpected, as the blackout becomes a symbol of the region's resolve and readiness in the face of rising hostilities