The escalating tensions between India and Pakistan have cast a long shadow over the northern state of Punjab, prompting authorities to order the closure of all schools until further notice. The ripple effect of this decision is being felt acutely in Chandigarh, the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, and its surrounding areas, as college students, a significant portion of whom reside in nearby hostels, began a mass exodus back to their homes on Friday.
The immediate aftermath of the school closure announcement was starkly visible at Chandigarh’s Sector 43 bus stand, which witnessed an uncharacteristic surge in passenger traffic. Long queues formed as anxious students, many with packed bags, waited for buses heading towards their hometowns in Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and even Himachal Pradesh. These states traditionally send a large number of students to the private colleges and universities located in the vicinity of Chandigarh, drawn by the promise of quality education.
The usually bustling streets of Chandigarh also began to take on an unusual quietude as the day progressed. Adding to the sense of unease, local authorities in Chandigarh have mandated the early closure of all markets by 7 PM, with the exception of essential medical stores. Further amplifying the cautious atmosphere, a ban has been imposed on the bursting of firecrackers and any celebratory fireworks, typically a common sight at weddings and other social gatherings in the region.
The catalyst for this heightened state of alert appears to be a series of drone activities reported overnight in several districts of Punjab bordering Pakistan. This development has particularly unnerved students residing in hostels attached to the numerous colleges and universities in Mohali district, adjacent to Chandigarh. For many, the perceived threat, coupled with the indefinite postponement of their examinations, has made the decision to return home an easy one.
News-18’s interactions with students leaving the Landran Road area, known for its concentration of educational institutions, painted a picture of uncertainty and a desire to be with family during this period of heightened tension. Students confirmed the postponement of their exams and indicated that they were advised to return home, with new examination dates to be announced later.
The disruption extended to inter-state transport as well. The Chandigarh Transport Department has temporarily suspended its Jammu-Katra bus service, a vital link that usually operates from the Sector 43 bus stand in the morning and evening, connecting the region to the pilgrimage sites and towns in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a move to maintain public order and prevent any potential hoarding, the Chandigarh administration has invoked Section 163, effectively imposing restrictions on the storage of essential commodities, including food items. Chandigarh’s Deputy Commissioner, Nishant Yadav, issued these directives, explicitly stating that no individual, trader, wholesaler, or retailer can create stockpiles of food materials. All are required to inform the Department of Food and Supply about their existing stock. To prevent price gouging, the administration has also provided contact details for citizens to report any instances of overpriced essential goods to the Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology Department. These stringent orders are set to remain in effect from today, May 9th, 2025, until July 7th, 2025.
The unfolding situation in Chandigarh and its surrounding areas underscores the immediate impact that geopolitical tensions can have on the daily lives of ordinary citizens, particularly students who are often away from their families. The empty classrooms and quieter streets serve as a stark reminder of the delicate peace in a region that has historically been sensitive to cross-border relations. As students head home and businesses brace for an uncertain period, the focus remains on de-escalation and the hope for a swift return to normalcy.
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