As part of the nationwide ‘Operation Shield’, Civil Defence mock drills were conducted on Saturday across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including sensitive border areas in both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
The large-scale exercises aimed to enhance preparedness and coordination among agencies and civilians in the event of cross-border threats or wartime emergencies.
Organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Operation Shield was initially scheduled for May 29 but was rescheduled to May 31.
The second edition of this civil defence initiative was simultaneously executed across all western states and Union Territories that share a border with Pakistan — including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
News agency KINS reported that beginning at 5 PM, the drills simulated a series of emergency scenarios such as mock air raids, drone threats, mass evacuations, relief operations, and blackout protocols.
In many towns and border villages, sirens were sounded, following which residents participated in guided evacuation exercises. Civil Defence teams, in coordination with local authorities, demonstrated search, rescue, and first-aid techniques as part of the simulated emergency response.
A blackout rehearsal was also conducted in several areas during the evening hours.
Residents were urged to switch off lights voluntarily and avoid stepping outdoors. District administrations had earlier issued advisories requesting public cooperation, underlining that these drills are for their own safety and awareness.
The drills witnessed active participation from Civil Defence volunteers, district administration officials, police and fire services, as well as youth from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS). Schools, colleges, and community centres were among the locations where mock emergency setups were established.
Officials told KINS that the objective of the exercise was to assess the preparedness of civil defence mechanisms in the face of evolving security threats, particularly those arising from cross-border hostilities or terror incidents. It also aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and public readiness for worst-case scenarios.
“Such drills are vital in ensuring that civilians and frontline responders are not only aware but also trained in executing emergency protocols. The participation of youth organisations and community volunteers further strengthens our collective resilience,” a senior official involved in the drill said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to conduct a detailed assessment of the drills conducted across the country to evaluate gaps and recommend improvements in local emergency preparedness frameworks.(KINS)
