Drills to Take Place in Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan
In response to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, mock drills are set to be conducted tomorrow evening in four key border states: Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. These states, which faced significant cross-border attacks during the recent four-day conflict, will participate in the exercise to enhance readiness. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert during the drills, according to sources.
Background of Recent Security Exercises
This drill follows the nationwide Operation Abhyas held by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on May 7, just hours before India launched Operation Sindoor. During Operation Abhyas, air raid sirens were sounded across 250 locations in 33 states and union territories. Civilians and students received instructions on civil defense protocols, including safety measures to protect themselves and others in the event of an attack. These were the first such large-scale drills since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Heightened Alert in Border Districts
During Operation Sindoor, Punjab, which shares a 532-kilometer border with Pakistan, placed all border districts on high alert. Public events were canceled, and schools in key districts like Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran were closed to ensure safety.
Similarly, Rajasthan, with its 1,037-kilometer border adjoining Pakistan, ordered the closure of all government and private schools in its border areas as a precautionary step.
Conclusion
The upcoming drills in Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan are part of India’s ongoing efforts to maintain vigilance and preparedness along its western border amidst continuing regional tensions.
