Bathinda: People in Bathinda began switching off their lights on their own well before any official order was issued. At least an hour before the blackout was declared, homes, shops, and malls had already gone dark — an act of voluntary caution amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Even streetlights were switched off before the official blackout notice was issued around 9:15 pm on Friday. Villagers have huddled inside their homes. Students are refusing to use candles or torches to study.
“I’ve started waking up early to study because, unlike before, I can’t stay up late anymore,” a Class 12 science student told ThePrint.
In Sivian village, a group of men were taking a post-dinner stroll when the blackout order came. But many had already prepared.
“We had already decided not to keep our lights on after 8 pm. All of us quickly finished our work and had dinner,” said Dr Gyanchand Sharma, a resident of Sivian.
When news of the blackout spread, men chatting in groups ran indoors, fearing possible attacks. Owners of the few small shops that still had dim bulbs on swiftly turned them off.
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Blackout before official order
RED ALERT – Bathinda: Blackout declared in the district. All residents are requested to stay indoors and take self-protection measures.
This was the message issued by district officials. The blackout order was lifted around 10:30 pm, but fearful residents refused to switch their lights back on. Only a few hotels did so. Most of the streets in Bathinda remained dark.
Amritpal, a shopkeeper, said, “I usually keep my shop open until 9, but now I shut it by 7. The blackouts are tough, but they’re for our safety, so we’re all following the instructions.”
In Goniana Kasba of Bathinda, a few men were chatting near a wine shop, using just a small torch. As soon as they heard the announcement, they quietly dispersed.
“Rush inside, everyone!” shouted Manpreet as he hurried indoors.
When asked how people were spending their time during the blackout, Manpreet said, “We’ve gone back to talking more with our families and distancing ourselves from TV and mobile phones.”
A woman from Sivian, who didn’t wish to be named, said, “We only use mobile torches to move around the house when it’s absolutely necessary. Otherwise, we’re all forced to sit together and just hope nothing bad happens. No one even lights a candle.”
(Edited by Prashant)