India Orders Civil Defense Drills Amid Heightened Tensions with Pakistan
In a significant escalation of military readiness, India’s government has mandated civil defense drills across much of the country on Wednesday, anticipating potential conflict with neighboring Pakistan. This directive follows a surge in tensions that escalated after a deadly attack on April 22, in which 26 people were killed in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir—a territory claimed by both nations. India holds Pakistan responsible for the attack, a charge Islamabad denies.
The current situation has prompted India to contemplate military strikes against what it describes as terrorist havens in Pakistan, which could lead to retaliatory actions from Islamabad. Recent weeks have seen exchanges of gunfire along the border, signaling an unsettling rise in military activities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively consulting with military leaders, suggesting a possible imminent strike.
In a letter circulated to all states and territories, India’s home ministry detailed the execution of readiness drills in 244 districts deemed key for civil defense due to their proximity to borders or critical infrastructure. The drills will aim to evaluate public preparedness for emergencies and will include testing air raid sirens and instructing civilians on managing blackouts and evacuations.
Previous drills have already taken place in Kashmir, where schoolchildren participated in safety exercises, illustrating the seriousness of the situation. The government’s move underscores its commitment to ensuring public safety and readiness amidst increasing hostilities between the two nuclear-armed nations, which have a history of multiple conflicts. As tensions remain high, the situation continues to develop, drawing international attention to the precarious peace in the region.
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