Why Were Mock Drills Under ‘Operation Shield’ Postponed In Border States With Pakistan?
The four bordering states with Pakistan were scheduled to hold mock drills under ‘Operation Shield’ today, however, they were postponed the previous evening, officials said.
The Civil Defence Departments of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Gujarat had earlier notified about the mock drills. While Punjab said that the drills will now be conducted on June 3, the other regions are yet to announce the new dates.
These were the states and Union Territory (J&K) which witnessed a severe drone attack bid by Pakistan during its midadventure between May 7 and 10.
Earlier, on May 7, mock drills were carried out across the country just hours before Operation Sindoor began. According to sources, civil defence authorities had asked all states and Union Territories to plan and conduct the drills starting at 5 PM that Thursday. They also requested that local administrations and all relevant stakeholders be involved in the exercise.
Why Were Mock Drills Postponed?
According to the official release, the mock drills were postponed due to “administrative reasons” and the new date in this regard will be announced soon.
What Was Planned?
During the second phase of the mock drills under ‘Operation Shield’, several activities were planned, including the general or silent recall of defence wardens and volunteers, air raid warnings for potential enemy aircraft, drone, and missile attacks, as well as blackouts.
According to a communication from the Directorate General of Fire Services and Home Guards, local stakeholders and youth volunteers — such as those from NCC, NSS, NYKS, and the Bharat Scouts & Guides — were assigned to support different services. Their role was to assist the civil administration in carrying out various civil defence measures related to air raid scenarios and other emergency responses.
What Had Happened When Mock Drills Were Previously Announced?
On the night of May 6–7, just hours before a scheduled nationwide mock drill, India carried out strikes on nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation specifically targeted terrorist headquarters and training camps. In response, Pakistan launched attacks on civilian areas and religious sites within India using drones and ballistic missiles.
India’s air defence systems successfully intercepted and neutralised incoming projectiles from Pakistan. 11 Pakistani airbases were destroyed in the Indian strikes. With its precision strikes on May 7 through Operation Sindoor, India avenged the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22.
