In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, India is stepping up its national readiness efforts. From Thursday, large-scale civil defence mock drills will be held in four states bordering Pakistan — Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. These drills follow an earlier directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which mandated emergency simulations in 244 districts as part of Operation Abhyaas. The renewed exercises aim to boost public awareness and preparedness for potential wartime scenarios, especially after heightened tensions in the region.
Simultaneously, the Haryana government will conduct a massive civil defence operation titled Operation Shield across all 22 districts on May 29. Beginning at 5 PM, the exercise will test coordination between civil administration, defence personnel, and community volunteers. According to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra, the drill will engage civil defence wardens, youth groups like NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts and Guides. A symbolic 15-minute blackout near sensitive installations will take place at 8 PM, excluding critical services such as hospitals and police stations.
These civil exercises come just weeks after Operation Sindoor, during which Indian forces targeted nine terrorist hideouts across the border. Addressing a rally in Gandhinagar on May 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that the conflict is no longer a proxy war but an open declaration, citing Pakistan’s state funerals for terrorists. Modi emphasized transparency, revealing that the strikes were documented on video to dispel any doubts. “This is not enmity, but defence,” he asserted, affirming India’s commitment to peace alongside unwavering national security.
