Residents of Khaja Kheda village and surrounding areas in Sirsa, Haryana were jolted awake just after midnight on Friday as explosions lit up the sky, reportedly caused by the interception of an incoming missile, suspected to have been launched from across the border.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 12:18 am, has heightened local and national tension amid an already fragile India-Pakistan security situation. A large piece of missile debris landed dangerously close to AV International Public School, while another fragment fell nearly 16 kilometers away in a nearby village.
Panic grips villagers after mid-night blast
Among those affected was Birender Singh, a 58-year-old farmer, who was asleep on the terrace of his home with his family. “Suddenly we heard two loud bangs and saw flashes. Everyone on our street came running out, terrified. It was unlike anything we had experienced before,” he said.
Witnesses described a bright trail in the sky, followed by a loud detonation. Emergency teams including the local police, fire brigade, and defense personnel quickly arrived at the scene to secure the area and inspect the missile fragments.
Preliminary investigations point to a high-altitude interception, likely executed by India’s integrated air defense network under what sources are calling Operation Sindoor.
Debris recovered, no injuries reported
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported, though the proximity of the debris to a functioning school has raised serious questions about civilian safety and border preparedness.
Security officials have cordoned off the area, and samples from the debris have been collected for forensic and military analysis. Eyewitness accounts and trajectory analyses suggest that the intercepted missile was potentially of Pakistani origin, part of escalating hostilities following recent Indian precision strikes on Pakistani airbases.
Rising tension after Pahalgam terror attack
The missile incident comes just days after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which left several soldiers and civilians injured. This has intensified cross-border tensions, with increased incidents of border infiltration attempts, drone activity, and now possible missile engagements.
Government sources indicated that this missile may have been part of a retaliatory strike or a probe mission to test India’s missile defense capabilities. The Indian Armed Forces, particularly the Indian Army and Air Force, are currently on high alert, monitoring radar activity along the border with Pakistan.
Schools and civilians on edge
With debris landing so close to AV International Public School, parents and educators are understandably concerned. The school has announced temporary closure for the day as a precaution. Authorities have urged calm and have deployed additional security personnel to sensitive locations in and around Sirsa.
Villagers in Khaja Kheda, Bari, and Manoli have also reported unusual aerial sightings in recent days. Surveillance drones and air patrols have been intensified across Haryana and Punjab to deter further incursions.
Political and diplomatic response awaited
So far, no official statement has been issued by Pakistan. However, Indian officials have called the incident a serious provocation and have hinted at the possibility of raising the matter with international diplomatic forums, including the United Nations.
The Indian Ministry of Defence is expected to brief the press later today. Meanwhile, senior officials have reassured citizens that the national defense grid is fully operational and that Indian airspace is secure.