Nationwide Security Drill Planned Amid Rising Tensions Following Pahalgam Attack

New Delhi: In response to escalating national security concerns, particularly after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Centre has directed all states and Union Territories to carry out a comprehensive civil defence drill tomorrow. While the official directive does not explicitly reference the Pakistan-linked attack, the timing and scale of the drill suggest a direct connection to the rising tensions between the two nations.This nationwide exercise will be conducted in 244 Civil Defence districts, reaching down to the village level. The Ministry of Home Affairs has emphasized that the drill aims to test and strengthen the preparedness of India’s civil defence apparatus in the face of potential threats, including aerial attacks.Key participants in the drill will include district controllers, local authorities, civil defence volunteers and wardens, Home Guard personnel, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) members, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) volunteers, and students from schools and colleges. One of the major goals is to educate and train the public on how to respond effectively in case of a hostile attack.The exercise will simulate scenarios involving air raid alerts, coordinated blackouts, and evacuation procedures. Residents in selected areas may be asked to turn off lights during planned blackout segments, while vital infrastructure like oil refineries, rail yards, and airbases will undergo camouflage drills to test protection measures against aerial assaults.Other objectives include checking the operability of hotline and radio communications with the Air Force, the effectiveness of emergency control rooms, and the readiness of firefighting and rescue operations. Training modules will also cover basic first-aid, emergency sheltering, and firefighting skills for civilians.This heightened preparedness comes as India grapples with the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy, where 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator were brutally killed. Investigations have pointed to Pakistani involvement, prompting stern warnings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and signals of a possible military response. The security drill is widely seen as a component of India’s broader strategy to ensure civilian safety ahead of any potential escalation.