CHANDIGARH, May 11 — Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday revealed that the state had borne the brunt of cross-border drone incursions over the past three days, with Chandigarh also targeted. The incidents prompted security forces to remain on heightened alert despite the existing ceasefire agreement with Pakistan.
“Chandigarh was on target… drones were fired. Drones were also fired at the defence installations in Pathankot, Amritsar and Gurdaspur,” Kataria told reporters after a joint meeting with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and leaders of all major political parties in Punjab.
While none of the drone strikes caused damage, Kataria credited the armed forces for intercepting the threats swiftly. “The maximum number of drones launched by Pakistan were aimed at Punjab, but our armed forces successfully intercepted most of them and ensured that no harm was caused,” he said.
Kataria acknowledged the public’s contribution as vital to supporting military efforts. “This fight was fought by the people of Punjab alongside our armed forces,” he said. “The villagers who prepared food and served it to jawans lifted their morale. I thank the armed forces and salute the people of Punjab.”
Chief Minister Mann said Punjab would remain in a state of full readiness until advised otherwise by the security establishment. “We had sought the Centre’s clearance to install anti-drone systems along the border, and the Centre gave us its approval yesterday,” he said.
He added that religious leaders, who attended a separate Sarv Dharam meeting, voiced their support for national security and agreed to promote communal harmony. “All religions preach peace and humanity. The leaders pledged to spread this message while putting the nation first,” said Mann.
The all-party meeting drew participation from senior leaders across the political spectrum, including BJP state president Sunil Jakhar, Congress leaders Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Randeep Nabha and Brahm Mohindra, SAD leaders Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Daljit Singh Cheema, and BSP leader Avtar Singh Karimpuri.
Together, they resolved to collectively approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek an economic assistance package for Punjab.
“Punjab has always stood at the frontlines whenever our borders were challenged. The state deserves a special package,” said Mann. “Such a move would build investor confidence and revive industrial interest in the region.”
