After 54 Years, India Prepares for Air Raid Drill as Border Tensions Soar
Home Ministry instructs states to conduct civil defence exercises; last such drill held in 1971.
BNH NETWORK
HIGHLIGHTS -
- India to hold first civil defence mock drill in 54 years on May 7.
- Drill includes air raid sirens, blackouts, and mass evacuation exercises.
- Triggered by Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
- PM Modi meets defence chiefs, vows severe action against terrorists.
- India suspends Indus Waters Treaty; Pakistan warns of bilateral fallout.
Historic Civil Defence Drill Ordered Across States
New Delhi - For the first time in 54 years, India is set to conduct a nationwide mock drill to prepare for air raid scenarios. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all states to carry out the exercise on May 7, focusing on civilian safety and readiness in the face of potential aerial threats. The last such drill was conducted in 1971 during the India-Pakistan war.
What the Drill Will Include
According to official sources, the mock drill will involve sounding air raid sirens, civil defence training for civilians and students, blackout exercises, securing critical infrastructure, and evacuation rehearsals. These exercises aim to ensure India’s preparedness for any contingency in light of rising security concerns.
Pahalgam Attack Triggers Border Tension
The decision follows heightened tensions at the India-Pakistan border after militants linked to Pakistan killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Despite international pressure, Pakistan-backed militants have continued cross-border attacks, with Indian posts facing shelling for 11 consecutive nights. India has responded forcefully to these provocations.
PM Modi Meets Top Defence Officials
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a crucial meeting with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, amid intense speculation about India’s next steps. This follows Modi’s discussions with Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs, including Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh. The high-level consultations underline the government’s determination to respond decisively to the Pahalgam massacre.
‘Unimaginable Punishment Awaits Attackers’: PM Modi
In a stern warning, PM Modi declared that those responsible for the attack “will face punishment they cannot even imagine.” This sentiment was echoed across the political spectrum, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assuring the nation that “what the country demands, will certainly happen,” signaling strong intent for retaliatory or preventive measures.
India’s Diplomatic Clampdown on Pakistan
India has taken several diplomatic steps against Pakistan, including suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty — a historic move even bypassed during the 1965, 1971, and 1999 Kargil conflicts. Additionally, India has reduced the number of Pakistani diplomatic staff in New Delhi. In retaliation, Pakistan has threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements, including the Shimla Accord, if water flows are blocked.
