New Delhi, May 5 — The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed states to conduct nationwide mock drills on May 7, including testing air raid sirens, rehearsing evacuation plans, and training civilians, amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack.
In an advisory issued Monday, the MHA instructed states to activate air raid warning systems, simulate evacuation protocols, and implement blackout and camouflage measures to protect critical infrastructure in the event of an attack.
“States must ensure civilian awareness and readiness through drills that simulate emergency response scenarios,” a senior government official said.
The advisory calls for coordination among local administrations, law enforcement agencies, and emergency services. Training programs will focus on equipping civilians with protective strategies during hostile events.
The directive comes amid heightened military activity along the Line of Control, where Indian and Pakistani forces have reportedly exchanged fire for the past 10 days.
Since the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired several high-level security meetings with senior military leaders and national security officials.
He has also granted the armed forces full operational freedom to determine the nature, timing, and targets of India’s response.
“These are precautionary measures rooted in preparedness, not panic,” the official added.