India, May 8 -- Panic gripped residents in Jammu city and its outskirts as sudden flashes of light illuminated the sky, followed by loud explosions. Many were in their gardens or at local shops when the blasts triggered widespread fear, resulting in a blackout across the city.

Social media was abuzz with videos showing flares and projectiles, with many speculating that Jammu, popularly known as the city of temples, was under attack, just a day after Indian forces launched strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Jammu-based lawyer and resident of Trikuta Nagar, Deepika Pushkar Nath, said, "I was sitting in the garden at home when my daughter said, 'dekho taara toota ' (shooting star), and I could see multiple f...