New Delhi, May 5: In response to rising security concerns, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed several states to conduct mock civil defence drills on May 7, according to government sources. These drills are aimed at enhancing preparedness against potential hostile attacks.
Key components of the exercises will include the activation of air raid warning sirens and civil defence training for civilians and students. Authorities have also been asked to implement crash blackout measures, swiftly camouflage critical infrastructure, update evacuation plans, and rehearse emergency responses.
The directive follows heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, predominantly tourists. In response, the Indian government has vowed strict action against those responsible and has granted the armed forces full operational freedom to determine the timing, mode, and targets of any retaliatory strike.
On Sunday, a 30-minute blackout drill was conducted in the Ferozepur Cantonment area, with lights turned off from 9:00 pm to 9:30 pm under orders from senior officials. “The lights were completely turned off. Any vehicle found with lights on was instructed to turn them off. Police remain fully vigilant with personnel deployed at all intersections,” said Gurjant Singh, SHO of Ferozepur Cantt Police Station.
As part of its broader response, the government has also moved to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and announced a complete ban on the import and transit of goods from Pakistan, effectively halting bilateral trade. A notification to this effect was issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The Cabinet Committee on Security was briefed the day after the Pahalgam attack, during which cross-border connections to the assault were highlighted. Officials noted that the incident occurred shortly after the successful conduct of elections in Jammu and Kashmir and its ongoing development efforts.
An all-party meeting was also convened, where opposition leaders extended full support to the government’s planned actions against the perpetrators of the heinous attack.
