Mock drills were carried out nationwide following the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
Civil defence mock drills are scheduled to recommence on Thursday in four states that share a border with Pakistan: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.
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Additionally, the Haryana government plans to execute a significant state-wide civil defence exercise titled “Operation Shield” on May 29, which will take place across all 22 districts starting at 5 pm, with the aim of improving the state’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
The civil defence mock drills in the states adjacent to Pakistan will occur shortly after India initiated Operation Sindoor against the neighboring country, following a bilateral agreement to halt all military actions and firing.
The government had previously announced nationwide civil defence mock drills in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, as part of Operation Abhyaas.
The Ministry of Home Affairs instructed 244 districts to conduct civil defence exercises, which encompass blackout drills, air raid sirens, evacuation protocols, and public awareness sessions designed to equip civilians for emergencies akin to wartime scenarios.
Operation Shield in Haryana
The government of Haryana has declared that the mock drills scheduled for tomorrow will focus on evaluating emergency protocols, enhancing collaboration among civil administration, defense forces, and local communities.
Sumita Misra, the additional chief secretary for home affairs, informed HT that the exercise will entail extensive mobilization of civil defense wardens, registered volunteers, and youth organizations, which include the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and Bharat Scouts and Guides.
A controlled blackout lasting 15 minutes will also take place from 8 PM in proximity to critical areas, excluding essential emergency services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations.
No longer a proxy war, asserts Modi
During a rally in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that India had documented their strikes on nine terrorist hideouts during Operation Sindoor to substantiate their actions.
He further remarked that it was no longer a proxy war instigated by Pakistan, as terrorists had been accorded state funerals, signifying that terrorism was an intentional component of the nation’s military strategy.
He stated, “This is a land of the brave. Until now, what we referred to as a proxy war, following the events observed post-May 6, we can no longer mistakenly label it as such. The rationale is that when nine terrorist hideouts were pinpointed and eliminated in merely 22 minutes, it constituted a decisive action. Moreover, this time, everything was conducted in front of the cameras, ensuring that no one back home would demand evidence.”
Modi continued, “You are already engaged in war, and you will receive an appropriate response. We do not harbor animosity towards anyone. Our desire is to coexist peacefully. We also aspire to progress so that we can aid in the welfare of the world.
Haryana to conduct civil defence drill under Op Shield tomorrow
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Modi continued, “You are already engaged in war, and you will receive an appropriate response. We do not harbor animosity towards anyone. Our desire is to coexist peacefully. We also aspire to progress so that we can aid in the welfare of the world.
The exercise aligns with the incident response system (IRS), which Haryana officially notified on January 28, 2025, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, providing a structured framework for emergency response. She directed all deputy commissioners, who are also chairpersons of district disaster management authorities, along with commissioners and superintendents of police, to ensure meticulous planning and execution of the exercise.