India, May 10 -- Thursday night saw blackouts in multiple regions in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan, as Pakistan launched air strikes, sharply escalating military tensions with India. As a result, an ongoing IPL match in Dharamshala was suspended and spectators were asked to vacate the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. As panic began to set in, several local people came together to help stranded travellers. Some, like Siddharth Bakaria, who owns homestays across Jammu, made social media posts, asking those in need to get in touch with him. "We received over 100 calls," he tells us, adding, "No one expected border tension to escalate this far; people panicked, they were clueless about where to go. Airports were shut and it was difficult to get a railway ticket. We connected with nearby hotels and homestays as well to keep their spaces ready. We also offered free stays, although some people paid. In the morning, we helped some people with cabs and taxis." Aaraynsh, a data consultant and resident, also asked people to reach out to him for assistance after the match was called off. "Most were on vacation. Panic erupted since Pathankot is just 80km away and was highly sensitive, even those who had trains to catch were scared to go. So, we opened our Airbnb to help," he shares. Local groups in areas affected by shelling such as Poonch and Rajouri also pitched in. Khushboo Shah, an engineer who runs the organisation Helping Hands, says, "Our group of 10-15 people has been assisting with stays, travel, food and other necessary support." Similarly, the Sunni Students Federation has been working with local authorities to help travellers and provide medical assistance locally. "To ensure we are prepared for the future, we have been requesting blood donations," says Farid Ahmad, a national secretariat member of the group. "We have set up camps in Poonch, Mandi, Jammu, Rajouri, and other parts, and people are turning up in large numbers. We are with the Indian Army," he shares....