The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, approved the deployment of nine advanced anti-drone systems along the state’s 532-km border with Pakistan on Friday, a move aimed at thwarting drug smuggling and terrorism.

“We are ready to foil Pakistan’s conspiracy with high-tech monitoring,” the Punjab government stated, emphasizing its resolve to dismantle networks funding terrorism through drug trade.

This marks the first time Punjab will deploy anti-drone technology to counter cross-border smuggling, enhancing border security amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

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The government hailed the decision as a “big step to break the back of terrorism,” with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) showcasing its political will to strengthen national security.

In a related decision, the Cabinet included war and terror victims under the ‘Farishte Yojana’ for free medical treatment.

To manage the crisis, ministers were dispatched to six sensitive border districts—Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran—placed on high alert. A control room (0172-2741803, 0172-2749901) was established for public assistance.

Amid heightened tensions, Punjab ordered school closures, canceled exams, and enforced blackouts in cities like Amritsar and Jalandhar.

Villagers near the border began relocating to safer areas, despite no official evacuation orders. Punjab Police leaves were canceled, and the BSF and Indian Army remain vigilant, supported by the Territorial Army’s recent mobilization.

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