Mock drills across states in India on May 7 in aftermath of Pahalgam attacks; MHA outlines measures

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed states to carry out nationwide mock drills on May 7 to evaluate civil defence preparedness, in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam attacks.

The mock drills will involve activating air raid sirens, training civilians and students in basic self-protection, checking crash blackout measures, camouflaging key infrastructure, in addition to reviewing and rehearsing evacuation plans.

A mock drill is a kind of a practice operation designed to prepare individuals for potential emergencies or critical situations. The last such drill was held in 1971, the same year India and Pakistan went to war on two fronts.

The April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir's ‘mini Switzerland’ Pahalgam – which claimed 26 lives – has been linked to Pakistan-backed terrorist groups, and has thrown India-Pakistan bilateral tensions into a melting pot.

MHA's measures for mock drill

The measures outlined by the MHA include:

1.Operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens

2. Training of civilians, students, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.

3. Provision of crash black out measures

4. Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations

5. Updation of evacuation plan and its rehearsal

Rehearsal for blackout in Ferozepur Cantonment

A 30-minute rehearsal for blackout was already carried out on Sunday, May 4 across the Ferozepur Cantonment area. The exercise, held from 9:00 to 9:30 pm, was conducted under the directives of the Cantonment Board and Station Commander.

“All lights were switched off as per senior officers’ orders. Any vehicles found with lights on were immediately asked to switch them off,” said Gurjant Singh, SHO of Ferozepur Cantt Police Station told PTI.

“Police are on high alert, with personnel deployed at all key intersections,” Gujrant Singh added.

Pahalgam attacks

In the aftermath of the brutal Pahalgam attacks, both India and Pakistan have taken a series of retaliatory steps. India has withdrawn some diplomats, shut down airspace and ports, and even suspended the Indus Waters Treaty.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has reportedly violated ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, firing small arms for ten consecutive nights—further heightening tensions between the long-feuding neighbours.