Centre Orders Security Drills Nationwide Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions — First Since 1971

Civil defence measures reactivated as Line of Control remains volatile; blackouts, sirens, and evacuation rehearsals planned across states

May 5, 2025 | New Delhi: In a significant move amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed several Indian states to conduct security mock drills on Wednesday, May 7. These drills, aimed at enhancing civil defence preparedness during hostile attacks, mark the first nationwide effort of this scale since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Also Read: India Demands Equal Partnership, Not Preaching: Robinder Sachdev and Jaishankar Urge Europe to Support Anti-Terror Stand

The directive comes amid repeated ceasefire violations across the Line of Control (LoC) and mounting cross-border hostilities following the April 22 massacre that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.

---

⚠️ MHA-Mandated Civil Defence Measures:

States and districts have been asked to implement the following actions:

• Operationalise air raid sirens in high-risk zones
• Train civilians and students in civil defence procedures
• Conduct crash blackouts to simulate wartime power cuts
• Camouflage critical infrastructure, especially power, defence, and communication nodes
• Update and rehearse evacuation plans

Also Read: Putin Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Reaffirms Russia’s Support for India’s Fight Against Terrorism

---

🔦 Blackout Drills Already Begin

In Punjab’s Ferozepur cantonment, authorities conducted a 30-minute blackout drill on Sunday, requesting PSPCL (Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd) to cut electricity from 9:00 to 9:30 PM. A notification noted the drill’s importance in ensuring readiness amid prevailing war threats.

Also Read: India Accelerates Dam Projects After Indus Treaty Suspension: Reservoir Flushing, Six Hydel Projects in Focus

---

🇮🇳 High-Level Military Consultations Underway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting today with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, following recent consultations with the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These high-level meetings are being closely watched as indicators of India’s strategic response.

PM Modi has declared that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre will face “punishment they cannot imagine.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added, “What you desire will certainly happen,” hinting at potential action.

---

🌍 Diplomatic Fallout and Water Treaty Suspension

India has already suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) — a 1960 agreement crucial to Pakistan’s agricultural water supply. This marks a historic first, as the IWT was upheld even during the 1965, 1971, and Kargil wars.

Other steps include:

• Downgrading diplomatic ties
• Expelling Pakistani diplomats
• Revoking visas for Pakistani nationals in India

Pakistan has warned that blocking river waters could be seen as an “act of war”, and has threatened to suspend the Simla Agreement — a foundational pact that validates the LoC. Pakistan has violated the 2003 ceasefire agreement for 11 consecutive nights, triggering fears of further escalation.

---

📌 Tags:

India Pakistan Tensions, Security Drills, Pahalgam Attack, Indus Waters Treaty, Line of Control, Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Civil Defence, India News