Civil defence authorities will carry out large-scale mock drills on Thursday across four states bordering Pakistan—Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir. The drills come shortly after Operation Sindoor and renewed focus on national preparedness.
Haryana will also hold a major statewide emergency drill, “Operation Shield,” on May 29. It will be conducted simultaneously across all 22 districts, starting at 5 PM, and is aimed at testing the state’s readiness in crisis situations.
These exercises follow the national directive issued after the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed. As part of Operation Abhyaas, the Home Ministry instructed 244 districts to carry out preparedness drills involving blackout simulations, evacuation routines, and public awareness efforts.
Haryana’s Operation Shield
Haryana’s drill will test coordination between civil agencies, defence units, and community networks. According to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra, the exercise will include wide participation from civil defence volunteers and youth organizations like the NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts and Guides.
A 15-minute controlled blackout is scheduled for 8 PM in key areas, excluding critical services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police departments.
Modi on Operation Sindoor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a speech in Gandhinagar on May 27, emphasized that India’s military response under Operation Sindoor was transparent and documented. He said nine terrorist bases were hit within 22 minutes, with the operation recorded to counter any demand for proof.
Modi added that terrorism can no longer be dismissed as a proxy conflict. He pointed to the fact that militants were given state funerals, framing it as part of Pakistan’s military posture.
“We are no longer dealing with just proxy elements. The response was direct and decisive,” he said. “India seeks peace, not conflict, but if challenged, we will respond accordingly.”
