“It is requested that necessary directions to all the Controllers of Civil Defence and other stakeholders, may be issued accordingly,” the two home departments said in a statement, adding that the next dates for the exercise will be issued.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that civil defence mock drills will be held in border districts of states neighbouring Pakistan on Thursday evening, days after India launched Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan.
India’s first mock drill since 1971 was conducted on May 7 and was followed that very night by the operation destroying terror launch pads across the border in Pakistan.
Mock Drills: A new normal
Officials said the strikes marked a shift in India’s approach towards Pakistan, the Line of Control (LoC) and nuclear threats could no longer be used as cover for terrorism. India had made its position clear after the Pahalgam attack: it would hit terror camps in Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had instructed the armed forces to respond to every “goli” (bullet) with a “gola” (cannonball).
Although large-scale violence has now stopped, Operation Sindoor is not yet over. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty will continue until Pakistan stops sponsoring terrorism. PM Modi had already conveyed India’s determination to US President Donald Trump on 22 April, while in Saudi Arabia. On 1 May, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had also informed US Senator Marco Rubio about India’s decision to strike terror camps in Pakistan.
