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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed states to carry out nationwide mock drills on 7 May. The drills aim to assess civil defence preparedness after the deadly Pahalgam attacks. The Government of India confirmed the directive on Sunday.
The exercises will test air raid sirens, train civilians and students in self-defence, check blackout measures, camouflage key infrastructure, and rehearse evacuation plans, according to ANI.
Mock drills are designed to prepare people for emergencies. The last such drill occurred in 1971, the same year India and Pakistan fought a war on two fronts.
The Pahalgam attacks, which took place on 22 April in Jammu and Kashmir, claimed 26 lives. Authorities have linked the attack to Pakistan-backed terrorist groups, raising tensions between India and Pakistan.
MHA’s Measures for Mock Drill:
- Activate air raid warning sirens
- Provide civil defence training to civilians and students
- Implement blackout measures
- Camouflage vital installations early
- Update and rehearse evacuation plans
On 4 May, Ferozepur Cantonment carried out a 30-minute blackout rehearsal. The exercise took place from 9:00 to 9:30 pm under orders from the Cantonment Board and Station Commander.
“All lights were switched off, and vehicles with lights on were instructed to turn them off,” said Gurjant Singh, SHO of Ferozepur Cantt Police Station.
Tensions Escalate After Pahalgam Attacks
In response to the Pahalgam attacks, India has taken multiple steps. It has withdrawn some diplomats, shut down airspace, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has reportedly violated ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC) for ten consecutive nights, using small arms fire. This has further increased tensions between the two countries.
Also Read: India Asks ADB To Stop Funding Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack
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