Gujarat Government Bans Firecrackers, Drones at All Events Until May 15 Amid Heightened Security Alert

Ahmedabad – May 9: In the wake of increased security concerns following a failed drone attack attempt by Pakistan, the Gujarat government has announced a temporary statewide ban on the use of firecrackers and drones at all events and public functions until May 15.

The decision was announced by Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he urged citizens to strictly adhere to the guidelines. “Gujarat: No firecrackers or drones will be allowed in any functions or events until the 15th of this month. Kindly cooperate and follow the guidelines,” he posted.

The ban comes on the heels of a national security review held earlier on Friday in New Delhi, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level meeting with military leadership and top defence officials at South Block, which houses the Ministry of Defence.

The meeting followed a series of escalations after India’s Operation Sindoor, a preemptive strike carried out by the Indian Armed Forces on May 8, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In retaliation, Pakistani forces launched a coordinated drone and munitions assault along India’s western border and the Line of Control (LoC) on the intervening night of May 8 and 9.

According to the Indian Army, all drone incursions and ceasefire violations (CFVs) were successfully repelled. In a statement, the Army said, “The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given to the CFVs. Indian Army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nation.”

Defence officials confirmed that the Akash surface-to-air missile system, indigenously developed under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, played a pivotal role in intercepting and neutralizing the drone threats. Both the Army and the Indian Air Force have deployed the Akash system along the Pakistan border for rapid air defence responses.

With security on high alert across northern and western states, including Gujarat, the ban is part of broader preventive measures to ensure civilian safety and minimize vulnerabilities at public gatherings.