Mock drill tomorrow in districts bordering Pakistan

A mock drill will be conducted in all four states adjoining the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border on Thursday, May 29. These states include Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir, bordering Pakistan.

The mock drills come weeks after India launched Operation Sindoor on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). India struck nine terrorist-liked locations, including some of the most significant and long-standing terrorist training hubs across Pakistan and PoJK in the early hours of May 7.

Following this, Pakistan responded with attacks on Indian military bases and cities, prompting India to strike at least eight of its air bases and other military sites, such as air defence units and radar sites in a retaliatory move. After four days of missile strikes and drone incursions across the LoC, both the nations entered into a ceasefire on May 10.

The operation was launched by India in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed. The attack was designed to dismantle key logistical, operational, and training infrastructure used by LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizbul Mujahideen, and other affiliated networks.

Notably, mock drills were also announced for May 7 in 244 districts of bordering states and union territories (UTs).

The stated purpose of the mock drills at the time was to activate air raid warning sirens, train civilians, including students, in civil defence measures for self-protection during a hostile attack. It was also meant to test the implementation of blackouts, ensure prompt camouflage of critical facilities and installations, and update as well as rehearse evacuation plans.

Despite the ceasefire, tension still remains between the two countries. However, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his readiness to engage in peace talks with India for the sake of peace on water issues as the Indus Water Treaty remains in abeyance.