By Alisha Shah 
India–Pakistan conflict: 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 merchants have been directed to declare their existing stock to the Department of food and Supplies within three days.
The India-Pakistan conflict witnessed a major escalation on Thursday late evening after Pakistan fired missiles and drones at military sites in Jammu and other states.
Why Has Chandigarh imposed the ban?
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 and fuel including petrol, diesel and other daily necessities in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.”
As a result, Chandigarh has imposed the ban on hoarding “to safeguard public interest and maintain smooth availability of essential goods,” in the wake of the tense conditions, states the notice.
Residents of Chandigarh have been further asked to report instances of hoarding, black marketing and price manipulation.
India Pakistan conflict
Earlier today, the Indian Army reported that it successfully repelled multiple attacks by Pakistan—carried out using drones and other munitions—along the entire Western border during the night between May 8 and May 9.
At least eight missiles were fired from Pakistan toward Kashmir, an Indian defense personnel said, adding that they were all “intercepted and blocked by Air Defense Units.” The attacks were directed at the cities of Satwari, Samba, Ranbir Singh Pura and Arnia.