Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir to Test Emergency Preparedness Amid Tensions
New Delhi – India is set to conduct large-scale civil defence mock drills on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in four states bordering Pakistan—Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir—weeks after the high-stakes Operation Sindoor. The exercises, ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), aim to bolster civilian readiness following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Haryana will also hold a state-wide drill, “Operation Shield,” across its 22 districts to enhance emergency response capabilities.
Why the Mock Drills Now?
The drills follow a nationwide exercise on May 7, dubbed “Operation Abhyaas,” conducted in 244 districts after the Pahalgam attack. They come in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a precision strike on nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 6-7, executed in retaliation for the attack. A bilateral ceasefire agreement, brokered by the U.S. on May 10, temporarily halted hostilities, but Pakistan’s subsequent violations, including drone activity and shelling, have kept tensions high. The MHA aims to test air raid sirens, blackout protocols, evacuation plans, and public awareness to prepare for potential escalations.
Scope of the Drills
In Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir, the drills will simulate wartime scenarios, including air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations. Rajasthan’s 28 districts, including border areas like Barmer and Jaisalmer, will participate, with District Collector Tina Dabi confirming preparations. Gujarat’s 18 districts, such as Kutch and Banaskantha, will conduct blackouts and test vital installations. In Jammu & Kashmir, seven civil defence districts—Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Srinagar, Uri, and Awantipora—will activate sirens at 4 p.m. Punjab’s drills will cover cities like Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Pathankot, focusing on coordination with security forces. Residents are urged to stay alert, keep torches and medical kits ready, and follow official instructions.
Haryana’s Operation Shield
Haryana’s “Operation Shield” will commence at 5 p.m. across all 22 districts, involving civil defence wardens, volunteers, and youth organizations like the NCC, NSS, and Bharat Scouts and Guides. A 15-minute controlled blackout will be enforced from 8 p.m. in non-essential areas, sparing hospitals and emergency services. Additional Chief Secretary Sumita Misra emphasized the drill’s focus on improving coordination between civil administration, defence forces, and local communities to ensure robust emergency response systems.
Operation Sindoor and Modi’s Message
Operation Sindoor, launched hours after the May 7 nationwide drill, targeted terrorist camps in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad, achieving political, military, and psychological objectives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Gandhinagar on May 27, underscored the operation’s transparency, stating, “We recorded strikes on nine terrorist hideouts in 22 minutes to provide proof.” He accused Pakistan of integrating terrorism into its military strategy, citing state funerals for terrorists, and declared, “This is no longer a proxy war. You are at war, and you will receive the response accordingly.” Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace but warned of decisive action against threats.
Public and Expert Reactions
The drills have sparked varied sentiments. Posts on X, including from @ANI and @TheNewIndian_in, highlight public awareness efforts, with citizens advised to remain calm during sirens and blackouts. Some, like @manamuntu, raised concerns about potential terror threats, citing prior warnings to the NIA. Experts, such as retired Brigadier BK Khanna, stress the drills’ importance, noting their rarity since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Khanna told ETV Bharat that district vulnerability is assessed based on critical infrastructure like power plants and airfields, making these exercises vital for civilian preparedness. However, critics argue the drills, while necessary, may heighten public anxiety in border areas already reeling from recent ceasefire violations.
Strategic Context and Challenges
The exercises reflect India’s heightened security posture following Pakistan’s ceasefire violations, including shelling in Poonch and drone incursions in Srinagar. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, announced after Operation Sindoor, adds to bilateral strains, with India stopping water flow through the Baglihar dam. While the ceasefire holds precariously, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has condemned Pakistan’s aggression, urging restraint. Analysts warn that gaps in civil defence infrastructure, such as outdated sirens or limited volunteer training, could undermine readiness. The MHA’s push to establish training institutes in 10 more states aims to address these shortcomings, but scaling up remains a challenge.
Looking Ahead
As India prepares for Thursday’s drills, the focus is on strengthening civilian resilience and inter-agency coordination. The MHA will review reports from states to plug identified gaps, with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan emphasizing actionable improvements. While the drills signal India’s resolve, fostering long-term stability will require diplomatic efforts to sustain the ceasefire and address cross-border terrorism. For now, border states brace for a test of their wartime readiness, with the nation watching closely.