India-Pakistan tensions: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to chair high-level security review meeting in Mumbai

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic

Amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is set to chair a high-level security review meeting today at his official residence, Varsha Bungalow, in Mumbai, reported news agency ANI.

Senior police officers and key administrative officials will attend the meeting, which aims to assess and strengthen the state's preparedness in light of recent developments along the border.

In a parallel move, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma chaired a similar meeting on Friday, focusing on reinforcing security across the state - particularly in border districts. Officials were directed to remain on high alert, with strict instructions issued to bolster security infrastructure, reported ANI.

The flurry of high-level security meetings comes in the wake of Indian air defence units intercepting Pakistani drones in Jaisalmer. Residents in several northern regions - Bikaner, Punjab, Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, Amritsar, and Jalandhar - reported hearing explosions and seeing flashes in the sky. Blackouts were also enforced in multiple areas as a precautionary measure.

A statement from the Rajasthan Chief Minister's Office (CMO) noted that Sharma instructed officials to intensify security arrangements, particularly in border regions. He also ordered the cancellation of all leaves for government employees, directing them to report to their respective headquarters immediately, reported ANI.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot issued a strong statement backing the armed forces and urging the public to stay calm.

"I urge all residents not to panic. Stay patient, alert, and follow the government's guidelines," Gehlot said. "The armed forces will respond strongly to any threat. In this fight against terrorism, both the ruling and opposition parties stand united. India has already split Pakistan once - our unity and the courage of our military will ensure victory again."

The current India-Pakistan tensions follow India's earlier response to the Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor, during which terrorist infrastructure across the border was targeted with precision strikes. India has made it clear that any attack on military installations will be met with an appropriate and forceful response, reported ANI.

This comes as India and Pakistan have been at loggerheads against each other after terrorist camps were destroyed at nine locations in the neighbouring country under Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the ghastly Pahalgam terrorist attack.

On Thursday, a complete blackout was enforced in Jammu after sirens were heard and explosions were reported near the Loc in Poonch and Rajouri districts, amid rising tensions in the region.

The Border Security Forces (BSF) foiled a major infiltration attempt along the International Border in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir.

(With inputs from ANI)