Shimla: In the wake of Operation Sindoor, the precision strikes by Indian armed forces on terrorist camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has cancelled his scheduled tour of Banjar in Kullu on Wednesday (May 7, 2025).
The move comes amid heightened security measures and the closure of the three state airports at Gaggal (Kangra), Bhuntar (Kullu) and Jubberhatti (Shimla) for civilian flights until May 9, with access restricted exclusively to military use.
The Chief Minister convened an emergency high-level review meeting at the Secretariat in Shimla to assess the evolving situation. Addressing the media after the meeting, Sukhu expressed pride in the armed forces for their “surgical and courageous” response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians lost their lives.
Emergency meeting in Shimla amid heightened alert
CM Sukhu chaired the review meeting alongside top officials, emphasising that parts of Himachal Pradesh border sensitive areas and must remain vigilant.
“The action by our armed forces has made every Himachali proud. We stand with our nation and our forces, just as we always have. Himachal has given the country the highest number of Param Vir Chakra awardees and our commitment remains unwavering,” he said.
District magistrates across the state have been instructed to tighten security arrangements, especially in border and sensitive areas. The authorities were directed to use real-time technological surveillance and closely monitor any suspicious activity.
Security around vital installations and schools in border zones is also being reviewed, and local administrations have been empowered to declare holidays for schools if needed.
Airports closed, crowds discouraged amid threat perception
The state government has acted swiftly on a central advisory to suspend civilian air travel across Himachal Pradesh.
Gaggal Airport in Kangra, Jubberhatti Airport near Shimla and Bhuntar airport in Kullu have been closed to the public until further notice. Gaggal will now operate only for military purposes.
CM Sukhu cited security reasons for cancelling his Banjar visit, which was expected to draw a crowd of over 4,000 people.
“In light of current circumstances and crowd control advisories, I have decided to postpone my tour,” he said. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh has also cancelled his scheduled visit to the same region.
Statewide alert: Supplies, misinformation and preparedness
The Himachal administration has issued instructions to maintain adequate stockpiles of food and essential goods in all border districts.
The public has been urged to remain calm but alert. Authorities have also been asked to monitor misinformation campaigns and social media propaganda likely to originate from across the border.
“Any provocation or misinformation by the enemy will be dealt with sternly. Our forces are ready for any scenario,” said the Chief Minister, warning against panic but encouraging preparedness.
Sunil Chadha
