Delhi, 28 May (H.S.): On Thursday evening, state authorities in Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir will conduct joint mock drills to assess civilian and emergency preparedness along the Pakistan border. The drills are a response to the recent four-day military conflict that erupted after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Designed to evaluate the effectiveness of control rooms, air raid sirens, and civil defence units, the exercises will involve simulated emergency scenarios with participation from civil defence personnel, fire services, and rescue teams. Residents in specific districts are advised to stay alert during these operations.

This initiative follows Operation Abhyas, a nationwide preparedness drill held on May 7, which trained civilians in basic civil defence tactics amidst air raid sirens across 250 sites nationwide. It was the largest coordinated mock drill since the 1971 war with Pakistan.

In light of the government’s proactive measures, high alert was declared along the 532-kilometre Punjab-Pakistan border, prohibiting public gatherings and closing schools in several districts. Similarly, schools in Rajasthan near the border were also shut down, though no timeline has been established for reopening.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar