New Delhi, May 9 -- Chandigarh has banned the hoarding of essential commodities -including rice, wheat, sugar, and fuel-under the Essential Commodities Act after attempted attacks from Pakistan on Thursday, May 8, and further siren warnings in the morning. All traders are required to declare their existing stock to the Department of Food and Supplies within three days.

The India-Pakistan conflicted saw a major escalation on Thursday late evening after Pakistan fired missiles and drones at military sites into Jammu and other states.

A notice from the Chandigarh District Magistrate states: "It has come to notice that certain individuals, traders and entities are engaged in the hoarding and unauthorized stockpiling of essential food items ...