The Home Ministry has instructed several states to conduct nationwide mock drills on May 7 to strengthen civil defense preparedness in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The drills will include testing air raid sirens, updating evacuation plans, and training civilians in emergency response measures.
The decision comes as tensions remain high along the Line of Control (LoC), where the Indian Army reported fresh small arms firing from Pakistani troops in multiple sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces remain on high alert following the April 22 terror strike that killed 26 people, including tourists.
In a significant diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed strong support for India during a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putin condemned the Pahalgam attack and stressed that the perpetrators and their supporters must face justice. The Russian leader reaffirmed solidarity with India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has sought Russia’s intervention to ease tensions with India. Pakistan’s ambassador in Moscow reportedly requested mediation, though India maintains that Islamabad must first take concrete action against terror groups operating from its soil.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also held talks with his Japanese counterpart, Gen. Nakatani, discussing regional security challenges, including terrorism and China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific. The meeting highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen international cooperation against cross-border terrorism.
The upcoming mock drills aim to enhance public readiness for potential security threats. States have been asked to review emergency protocols, conduct evacuation rehearsals, and ensure coordination between police, disaster response teams, and local administrations.
Security experts say the measures reflect India’s proactive approach following intelligence inputs about possible further terror activities. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, with border forces maintaining strict vigilance along the LoC and international borders.
As investigations into the Pahalgam attack progress, India has intensified diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan globally for its alleged support to terror groups. The exposure of a Lashkar-e-Taiba training camp in PoK through satellite imagery has further bolstered India’s case.
With military and civilian agencies on high alert, the focus remains on preventing future attacks while preparing citizens to respond effectively to emergencies. The May 7 drills will test India’s readiness to handle crisis situations, ensuring a coordinated response from both security forces and the public.
The developments underscore India’s dual strategy of combining robust military preparedness with civilian awareness campaigns to counter terrorism. As global leaders rally behind India, pressure mounts on Pakistan to act against terror networks operating from its territory.
Disclaimer: This report is based on government sources. Deployment timelines may vary based on operational requirements.
Source: IndianDefenseNews
