Nationwide Mock Drills Held in India Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
India conducted ‘Operation Abhyaas,’ a nationwide civil defence mock drill across 259 districts, to bolster preparedness amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. The mock drills followed India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under ‘Operation Sindoor‘ On Wednesday. The strikes, targeting nine terror bases, were a response to the Pahalgam attack
At 4 PM today, air raid sirens echoed across 259 districts, marking the start of ‘Operation Abhyaas,’ a large-scale civil defence exercise. The drills, ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), simulated wartime scenarios like air raids, blackouts, and evacuations. Over 60 sirens sounded in Delhi alone, mobilizing volunteers, police, and rescue teams.
In cities like Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bengaluru, citizens participated actively, halting outdoor activities when sirens sounded. “It felt real, but it’s reassuring to know we’re preparing,” said Priya Sharma, a Mumbai resident. Jammu and Kashmir, on high alert post-strikes, cancelled its drills.
The exercise aimed to test India’s defence readiness after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. “This is about ensuring our citizens are prepared for any hostile scenario,” said MHA spokesperson Anil Kumar. The drills included training on bunker use and evacuation protocols.
Pakistan denied involvement, terming India’s actions “provocative.” The strikes killed at least 80-90 terrorists, with no reported civilian casualties, per Indian officials. International airlines, including Emirates and Lufthansa, rerouted flights to avoid Pakistani airspace.
The MHA emphasized minimal disruption, with banks and public transport operating normally. Delhi issued a list of do’s and don’ts, urging citizens to avoid phone use during drills to keep communication lines free. Sixty locations in the capital were designated for the exercise.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who monitored ‘Operation Sindoor,’ The strikes targeted terror hubs in Muzaffarabad, Muridke, and Bahawalpur, among others. This was India’s most significant action since the 2019 Balakot strikes.
The MHA stated that ‘Operation Abhyaas’ would strengthen civil defence measures, with further drills planned in Karwar and Raichur. Experts warn of heightened risks, with Pakistan threatening retaliation. “India’s strikes were precise, but escalation remains a concern,” said defence analyst Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Sanjay Verma.
