J&K Gears Up for Statewide Civil Defence Drills on May 7 Amid Soaring Indo-Pak Tensions

SRINAGAR, May 06 : In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed comprehensive civil defence mock drills across multiple districts of Jammu and Kashmir on May 7, official sources confirmed.

These drills come after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives and has been linked to Pakistan-based terror outfits. The incident has further strained the already fragile relations between the two nuclear-armed nations.

The civil defence exercises are part of a broader national preparedness strategy and will include:

Activation of air raid warning sirens

Training sessions for civilians and students on protection measures during hostile attacks

Blackout drills

Early camouflaging of critical infrastructure

Updation and rehearsal of evacuation plans

According to senior officials, these drills are intended to boost civilian readiness and ensure swift emergency response mechanisms are in place across vulnerable regions.

The following 20 key districts and areas in Jammu and Kashmir will participate in the drills:

1. Anantnag

2. Badgam

3. Baramulla

4. Doda

5. Jammu

6. Kargil

7. Kathua

8. Kupwara

9. Leh

10. Poonch

11. Rajouri

12. Srinagar

13. Udhampur

14. Samba

15. Akhnoor

16. Uri

17. Naushera

18. Sunderbani

19. Awantipur

20. Pulwama

Preparations are already underway at the district level, with authorities advising citizens to remain calm, cooperate during the drills, and treat the rehearsals with utmost seriousness.

The Centre has also taken a string of retaliatory diplomatic and strategic steps, including the suspension of provisions under the Indus Waters Treaty, a reduction in diplomatic staff, and the temporary closure of selected air and sea ports. On Monday, all gates of the Salal Dam in Reasi district were shut, causing a sharp drop in downstream water levels — a move that has provoked threats from Pakistan, which warned of retaliatory action “with full force and might.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a strong statement, saying, “The government stands firmly with our armed forces. Any provocation will be met with a decisive and fitting response.”