MHA asks states to conduct mock drills on May 7 amid Indo-Pak tensions: ‘Air raid sirens, civilian training’
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed states to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7, according to ANI.
The directive includes activating air raid sirens and training civilians to respond in case of a hostile attack, PTI reported. States have also been asked to update evacuation plans, practice crash blackouts, and implement early camouflaging of key infrastructure and installations.
These measures come in response to the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people—mostly tourists—lost their lives. It has been termed one of the worst attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
India has since taken strong actions against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari land border, and downgrading of diplomatic relations. All visas for Pakistani nationals have been cancelled, and Pakistani airline flights have been barred from Indian airspace.
In retaliation, Pakistan has halted all trade with India, including transit trade, and prohibited Indian carriers from using its airspace. Cross-border ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces have reportedly continued for the past 10 days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held several high-level meetings with security and defence officials since the attack. In one such meeting, he stated that the armed forces have complete operational freedom to choose the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response.
