The cross-border firing between Indian and Pakistan appeared to taper off following Thursday’s strikes, but on Friday night, Indian areas were again targeted.
Pakistan earlier denied carrying out similar attacks on Thursday evening that prompted Indian authorities to defer the country’s much-vaunted cricket league by a week.
On Friday, as hopes of easing tensions were dashed by the day’s delayed flare-up, residents across Pakistan and India were in a rush to stockpile foods and other essential supplies, while families living near the border sought safer areas.
Witnesses have told the Reuters news agency that four blasts have been heard in Amritsar, a city in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab, about 30km (19 miles) from the border with Pakistan.
Journalist Ravinder Singh Robin has also reported “heavy firing sounds” in the city.
“Just moments ago, heavy firing sounds heard near Air Force Cantonment around Ajnala Road in Amritsar,” he posted along with a video on X.
Jammu resident Rashul Singh Oberh has told Al Jazeera that a blackout in the city in Indian-administered Kashmir started at about 8pm (14:30 GMT) and a drone attack started about 15 to 30 minutes later.
“I’m at my workplace and can see red light and explosions in the sky,” he said.
“Intermittent blasts, likely from heavy artillery, are still echoing in the area where I am,” Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah shared in a post on X.
He also posted an image of the city plunged into darkness, captioning it, “Blackout in Jammu now. Sirens can be heard across the city.”
Omar Abdullah urged people in and around Jammu to stay indoors and avoid the streets for the next few hours. He advised ignoring rumors and unverified stories, emphasising unity in facing the situation.
Pakistani drones were spotted over Jammu, Samba, and the Pathankot sector, and were promptly engaged by the Indian armed forces.
