New Delhi – The Union Home Ministry has directed several states to conduct mock drills on 7 May to strengthen civil defence preparedness, government sources said on Monday.
The drills will include the operationalisation of air raid warning sirens and training for civilians and students on how to protect themselves during a hostile attack.
Other measures include crash blackout procedures, early camouflaging of key installations, and rehearsals of updated evacuation plans.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. The government has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
On Sunday, a 30-minute blackout rehearsal was carried out in the Ferozepur Cantonment area under the supervision of the Cantonment Board and Station Commander.
“The blackout lasted from 9 pm to 9:30 pm. All lights were turned off as per orders. Vehicles found with lights on were asked to switch them off. Police remain on high alert, with deployments at all key intersections,” said Gurjant Singh, SHO, Ferozepur Cantt Police Station.
The government has granted the armed forces full operational freedom to decide the nature and timing of India’s response. It has also taken diplomatic and economic steps, including placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.
Following an all-party meeting, opposition parties expressed support for firm action against those responsible.
At a Cabinet Committee on Security briefing, officials noted that the attack followed successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir and ongoing progress in the region’s economic development.
India has also imposed an immediate ban on all imports and transits of goods from Pakistan, effectively halting bilateral trade, according to a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. ANI
