Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], May 9 (ANI): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said that the state government has intensified security at several important places across the state in view of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Speaking to ANI earlier in the day, CM Mohan Charan Majhi said, 'We have increased security at many important places in Odisha like Chandipur, Jagannath Temple, Hirakud Dam. We called an emergency meeting today and will ensure proper security arrangements in the state. We have ordered to bring back students studying in Jammu safely to Odisha.'

Meanwhile, Pakistani drones were sighted in the Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot sectors, according to defence sources.

Red streaks could be seen and explosions were heard in Samba sector of Jammu as India's air defence intercepted Pakistani drones amid blackout. Meanwhile, a precautionary blackout has been enforced in multiple areas amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

A complete blackout has been enforced in the Akhnoor and Udhampur regions of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the Ambala and Panchkula areas of Haryana.

The blackouts are also enforced in Firozpur of Punjab and Jaisalmer of Rajasthan. Pakistan has violated the ceasfire for yet another day. On Thursday, the Pakistani army carried out multiple airspace violations and drone intrusions on the night of May 7 and 8, targeting Indian military infrastructure.

Addressing a press briefing earlier today, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that 300 to 400 drones were deployed across 36 locations, with several being shot down by Indian forces using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods. Initial investigations suggest the drones were Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said during the press briefing, 'On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border to target military infrastructure. Not only this, the Pakistani army also fired heavy-calibre weapons along the Line of Control. Around 300 to 400 drones were used to attempt infiltration at 36 locations.'

She added, 'The Indian armed forces shot down many of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means. The possible purpose of such large-scale aerial intrusions was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence. Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done. Initial reports suggest that they are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones...'

Pakistan's attempted retaliation came in the wake of India's Operation Sindoor, where the Indian armed forces targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday.

The operation was a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. (ANI)