Mock drills tomorrow in 4 Pakistan-border states – Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, J&K – after Op Sindoor

Civil defence mock drills are scheduled for Thursday evening in the four Indian states bordering Pakistan — Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. These exercises follow a series of nationwide drills conducted earlier in May after the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. The drills are part of efforts directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen emergency preparedness and test wartime standard operating procedures.

The mock drills will include the testing of air raid warning sirens, blackout protocols, evacuation procedures, and protection measures for vital installations such as defence and paramilitary facilities, hospitals, and other strategic assets. Security agencies will use drone surveillance, bomb disposal units, medical teams, and helicopters to evaluate operational readiness. Civilians in vulnerable areas will be trained to follow instructions and use community bunkers as safe shelters during emergencies.

Following the Pahalgam attack, 244 districts across the country conducted civil defence exercises under Operation Abhyas. The drills on Thursday are focused specifically on border states considered vulnerable to cross-border threats. Students, hospital staff, and local residents will be briefed on civil defence procedures including how to respond to blackout signals and air raid warnings, with an emphasis on familiarizing all stakeholders with the standard operating procedures.

Punjab and Rajasthan have increased security measures along their borders, including school closures in districts such as Ferozepur, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur in Punjab and border areas of Rajasthan. Similarly, Haryana is preparing to conduct a major civil defence exercise named “Operation Shield” on May 29, covering all 22 districts of the state, to enhance its emergency response capabilities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasized that India’s Operation Sindoor targeted nine terrorist hideouts within a short span, marking a decisive and transparent military action. Modi stated, “You are already at war, and you will receive the response accordingly.” The civil defence drills aim to prepare both the security forces and civilians for potential wartime scenarios by ensuring readiness and efficient coordination during crises.