MHA orders nationwide mock drills on May 7 amid rising India-Pakistan tensions
PTC Web Desk: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed several Indian states to carry out nationwide mock drills on May 7 as part of a major civil defence preparedness initiative, according to government sources cited by ANI. This directive includes activating air raid sirens and training civilians to respond effectively in case of a hostile situation.
As per reports, the states have also been instructed to revise and rehearse evacuation strategies, implement crash blackout procedures, and ensure early camouflage of critical infrastructure such as power plants and military installations.
This large-scale preparedness exercise comes in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. The attack, which left 26 persons dead—primarily tourists—has been described as one of the deadliest since the Pulwama bombing in 2019.
In response, the Indian government has taken several strong diplomatic and strategic steps. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari land border crossing, and downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan. All categories of visas granted to Pakistani nationals have been revoked, and Indian airspace is now closed to flights operated by Pakistan International Airlines.
Pakistan, in retaliation, has announced a complete halt to trade with India, including transit trade with third countries, and barred Indian airlines from entering its airspace. Additionally, Pakistani forces have reportedly been engaging in ceasefire violations along the Line of Control for the past 10 consecutive days.
- With inputs from agencies
