New Delhi, May 9 -- A day after its attempts to target Indian cities, civilian infrastructure and some military targets were repelled, Pakistan continued to escalate tensions with India with its drones intercepted by Indian Armed Forces amid blackouts in Akhnoor, Pathankot, Rajouri and Nagrota.

Heavy artillery fire and explosions were heard in Samba. Explosions were heard as India's air defence intercepted Pakistani drones amid blackout in Akhnoor.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged people to stay off streets, ignore rumours and not spread unsubstantiated or unverified stories.

"Intermittent sounds of blasts, probably heavy artillery, can now be heard from where I am," he said in a post on X.

"It's my earnest appeal ...