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India’s Action on Pahalgam Attack: According to sources, such a mock drill was last performed during the India-Pakistan War in 1971.
India’s Action On Pahalgam Attack: Amid the increasing tension between India and Pakistan, the Union Home Ministry has taken a major step on Monday and issued instructions to several states to organize mock drills for effective civil security on 7 May 2025. This step has been taken in view of the stressful situation arising after the Pahalgam terror attack, so that the safety of citizens can be ensured in any emergency.
What instructions during mock drill
- Air attack alert: Practice of warning people by playing sirens in the event of air strike.
- Training to citizens: To train citizens, especially students for their safety in the event of attack.
- Blackout practice: Follow the process of closing electricity and lights during the attack.
- Safety of important places: Strategy to hide sensitive plants and establishments.
- Withdrawal plan: Practice the plan to take people to safe places and vacate the area.
According to sources, such a mock drill was last performed in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistan War. Even at that time, the country had conducted such exercises on a large scale to strengthen civil security in the event of war.
Stress after Pahalgam attack
The terrorist attacks in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people were killed, has made India-Pakistan relations more tense. Indian investigative agencies have blamed Pakistan-backed terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front (TRF) for this attack. In response, India has taken tough steps like suspending the Indus Water Treaty, imposing full ban on trade with Pakistan and reducing diplomatic relations.
Pakistan is fearing that India can take military action on it at any time. For this fear, Pakistan has filed complaints against India on international forums like the United Nations and the United States and appealed for restraint.
Blackout exercise in Punjab
In view of India-Pakistan tension, the Ferozepur Cantonment Board of Punjab conducted a 30-minute blackout practice on Sunday, 4 May 2025. The exercise was held in the cantonment area from 9 pm to 9:30 pm. Its purpose was to ensure preparations and effectiveness to implement blackout processes in war or emergency. The local administration had appealed to citizens to cooperate to make the exercise successful, and received wide support.
Strictness of Home Ministry
The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed the states to organize the mock drill with full seriousness. Along with this, the Ministry has taken additional steps to further tighten the security system in the border states. Especially vigilance is being taken in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The ministry has also asked to ensure that the citizens do not spread nervousness and they should take these exercises as a normal process.
International community response
The international community is also keeping an eye on the increasing tension between India and Pakistan. The United States, Russia, and the United Nations have appealed to both countries to exercise restraint and reduce stress through negotiations. However, India has clarified that it will be adamant on its zero tolerance policy against terrorism.