Chandigarh/Mohali/Panchkula, May 10 -- With the threat perception from Pakistan far from over, the administrations of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali have bolstered their night vigil, putting in place several restrictions such as closure of malls, shopping complexes and markets post sunset. In Panchkula, which houses the Western Command headquarters that is responsible for protecting the western borders of India, the administration has decided to observe blackout from 7pm to sunrise, and directed people to turn off the lights as soon as they receive a blackout signal. The Mohali and Chandigarh administrations said they will go for blackouts as and when required, though they have put curbs on commercial establishments. In Chandigarh, all markets and commercial establishments, including malls, bars, hotels, and showrooms, have been asked to down shutters after 7pm. Medical stores, however, have been exempted from this directive (see box). Amid reports of hoarding and panic buying, the UT administration also prohibited unauthorised stockpiling of essential food items, fuel, medicines and other daily necessities. Residents have also been advised not to resort to panic buying as there is enough supply available and there has been no change in the rates of vegetables and grains being sold at the Sector-26 grain market. The city markets saw a brief rush of buyers around 6 pm, when orders of market closure at 7 pm were issued. Harkanwar Kaur, a resident of Sector 41, said, "Grocery stores had long queues with some items even going out of stock." It was learnt that even online grocery apps denied new orders post 6 pm. Ashwinder Singh Mongia, president of Mohali Petrol Pump Association, said, "With tension escalating, unusual rush is being seen at petrol pumps. Indian Oil has clarified that there is no need to panic as we have enough stocksavailable." Earlier in the day, around 9.30 am, Chandigarh residents were alerted to air raid sirens from the Air Force station. The administration, through its social media channels, advised people to stay indoors till the alert was in place. The alert was called off after about two hours. In Mohali, particularly in areas near Sector 45 to 47, deputy commissioner Komal Mittal advised people to stay indoors as a precautionary measure during the alert. After Thursday night's escalation, the Mohali police had increased security outside the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, anticipating a possible drone attack, however, it was gradually scaled down as the day progressed and the threat perception reduced. Mohali SSP Deepak Pareek stated, "We increased patrolling in response to the morning alert. Although the alert was later withdrawn, patrolling and security arrangements remain in place until the situation fully stabilises." Panchkula deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Himadree Kaushik has also asked people to minimise unnecessary movement and exercise caution. DCP Kaushik said four police companies, comprising 400 personnel, along with emergency response vehicles (ERV), police control room (PCR) vans, and rider teams, are fully prepared to address any situation. Two snatching incidents were reported on Thursday evening in Zirakpur's Baltana during the blackout. In the first incident, at Baltana, at the underbridge near Saini Vihar Phase-3, a group of seven to eight miscreants attacked a 20-year-old with knives and snatched Rs.8,000 and his mobile phone. A case ofsnatching was registered. In second incident in Tribune Colony, a youth attacked another with a sharp weapon over a demand for Rs.100. The victim, Naushad Ali, of Baltana, sustained a deep cut on his ear He was taken to GMCH-32 for treatment and later discharged....