New Delhi, May 5 (KNS): In the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which has been linked to Pakistan-backed terrorist groups, the Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered a nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill to be conducted on May 7, 2025.
The directive, a copy of which is with Kashmir News Service (KNS), has been issued by the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards to all States and Union Territories, calling for full-scale mobilization of civil defence infrastructure down to the village level.
The attack in Pahalgam has led to a sharp deterioration in Indo-Pak relations. In response, India has taken a series of strong diplomatic and security measures including the downgrading of diplomatic ties, suspension of bilateral trade, closure of border gates, deportation of Pakistani nationals, and a ban on the entry of Pakistani vessels into Indian maritime waters. Reports of heightened troop activity by Pakistan along the Line of Control have only added to the tensions.
According to the official order, the mock drill is aimed at assessing the operational readiness of India’s civil defence systems in the event of hostile attacks.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe drill will involve district administrations, Civil Defence volunteers, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and students from schools and colleges. It will test the functionality of air raid warning systems, emergency communication links with the Indian Air Force, control rooms, blackout and camouflaging protocols, and evacuation and rescue operations.
The exercise is being conducted under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, and is one of the most extensive preparedness drills in recent years. States and Union Territories have been instructed to ensure wide participation and submit an action taken report to the Directorate following the exercise.
The Ministry has underlined that the drill is not only a step towards strengthening internal security mechanisms but also a clear signal of India's readiness to safeguard its civilian population amid escalating threats from across the border. (KNS)