Punjab Border Security Drills Underway Amid Tensions
The security drills in Punjab and other border states are part of a broader effort to strengthen India's defence capabilities and respond to emerging security challenges, with a focus on enhancing coordination between civil administration, defence forces, and local communities.
Security drills are being conducted in border districts of Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir, following India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror sites in Pakistan, which marked a significant shift in India-Pakistan relations. The operation achieved political, military, and psychological goals, and India has made it clear that it will hit terror camps in Pakistan in response to every attack. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty will continue until Pakistan stops sponsoring terrorism.
The large-scale civil defence mock drills, aimed at enhancing readiness in the event of a crisis, will simulate critical incidents such as air raids, drone attacks, and other wartime scenarios. The exercises are being organized under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and will test existing emergency mechanisms, improve coordination between civil administration, defence forces, and local communities. A controlled blackout of 15 minutes will also be observed near vital installations, with the exception of essential emergency services.
The Punjab government has proposed June 3 as the date for a civil defence drill, citing that their civil defence staff are currently undergoing training by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The Centre has accepted the state's request, and the drill will now be held on June 3 instead of the initially planned date. The civil defence exercise, called "Operation Shield", aims to prepare for air raids, drone attacks, and other contingencies.
The drills come just weeks after a ceasefire was brokered following military escalation between India and Pakistan, and are seen as a crucial step in enhancing the country's preparedness and response to potential security threats. The success of Operation Sindoor and the ongoing security drills demonstrate India's commitment to protecting its borders and citizens from cross-border terrorism.