New Delhi: India is set to conduct large-scale mock drills on Wednesday across border districts in four states and union territories — Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat — all of which share frontiers with Pakistan.
The drills come in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strike launched on the night of May 6–7, targeting terrorists and their support bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK). The operation followed a series of escalations, including Pakistani attacks on Indian military installations and cities. In response, India reportedly hit back by targeting at least eight Pakistani air bases and other key military sites, including radar and air defense units. A ceasefire was eventually requested by Pakistan on May 10, which India agreed to.
While similar drills were earlier announced for May 7 in 244 districts along the borders, the focus of tomorrow’s exercise will be on enhancing preparedness and public awareness in high-risk zones.
The objective of these mock drills is multifaceted: activating air raid warning systems, educating civilians and students on basic civil defence protocols, testing blackout procedures, improving camouflage techniques at key infrastructure points, and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans.
Officials have clarified there’s no immediate reason to panic but emphasized that such drills are necessary to familiarize the public—especially the younger generation—with wartime standard operating procedures (SOPs) and essential safety measures.
