Drones spotted over Rajasthan’s Barmer, blackout continues in border districts

Drones spotted in Rajasthan prompt blackout, residents advised to stay indoors; normalcy returns in western region.

Incoming drones suspected to have been launched from across the International Border were spotted in Rajasthan’s Barmer district on Sunday (May 11, 2025) night, prompting the administration to enforce a strict blackout. Residents of the city were advised to stay indoors and switch off their lights.

The drone activity was detected a day after India and Pakistan reached an understanding on the ceasefire along the border. Barmer Collector Tina Dabi alerted people about “incoming drones” in a message posted on social media platform X, while police personnel took to the streets and asked those returning home after closing their shops to switch off the lights of their vehicles.

Follow India-Pakistan ceasefire updates on May 11

The district administration refuted reports of the defence forces shooting down a drone near Barmer. “These reports are factually incorrect. The district administration completely denies all kinds of rumours going viral on social media,” Ms. Dabi said.

Blackout continued as a precautionary measure in Jaisalmer, Sriganganagar, and other border areas of the State on Sunday night in the wake of Saturday’s violation of the understanding by Pakistan. The alert along the border also remained in force.

Normal activities resumed in the western Rajasthan region, with markets reopening on Sunday. The debris of a drone was found in Barmer’s Bhurtiya village in the morning, while the objects moving in the skies of Sriganganagar and Anupgarh were neutralised mid-air by Indian defence forces on Saturday night.

There was no blackout in Jodhpur, but schools and colleges will remain closed on Monday, and examinations were postponed. The blackout order in Hanumangarh was lifted, but it could be reimposed if a red alert situation arises.