India’s home ministry has mandated civil defense drills across the nation as it braces for a possible military clash with neighboring Pakistan. This directive comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals, with reports linked to a deadly attack that claimed 26 lives in the India-administered Kashmir territory on April 22. India has attributed this tragedy to Pakistan, which has firmly denied any involvement.
The situation has intensified with India contemplating military strikes against alleged terrorist hideouts within Pakistan, prompting a threat of reciprocal action from the Pakistani government. Following recent skirmishes along the India-Pakistan border, there is growing speculation that an Indian offensive may be on the horizon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held multiple strategy meetings with military officials, and public discussions regarding proactive measures against Pakistan have increased.
In a communication dispatched to all states and territories on Monday, the home ministry outlined the execution of civil defense drills, targeting 244 districts categorized as particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to border regions or coastal areas. These readiness exercises will engage communities in testing air raid sirens, instructing them on managing power outages, and conducting evacuation procedures.
Notably, prior drills have taken place in border areas like Kashmir, where footage has emerged showing schoolchildren practicing emergency protocols and community members preparing bunkers designated for potential airstrike scenarios. The drills aim to bolster public resilience and readiness amid the current climate of uncertainty and tension in the region.
Mujib Mashal leads South Asia coverage for The Times, focusing on complex geopolitical dynamics in countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, while Hari Kumar has reported extensively on Indian affairs from New Delhi for over two decades.
