India-Pakistan Conflict / From JK to Gujarat... Mock drill will be held on 31st May in the states bordering Pakistan

India-Pakistan Conflict: The Government of India has decided to conduct a massive mock drill in four major states bordering Pakistan—Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat—on the evening of 31 May 2025. This civil security exercise has been named "Operation Shield", which aims to train citizens to remain alert and defend themselves in war-like situations.

Why is mock drill necessary?

The India-Pakistan border is about 3300 kilometers long and security has always been a sensitive issue in this entire area. In view of recent incidents like the Pahalgam terrorist attack and potential security threats, the Government of India has decided to keep the citizens of the country prepared in war and disaster situations.

Objective of the mock drill:

To educate citizens about self-defense and mutual cooperation in case of war

To explain the process of blackout in a practical way

Evaluate the preparedness of civil security agencies

Test the air raid warning system and the functioning of the control room

Flaws were found in the previous mock drill

Earlier, on 7 May 2025, the first mock drill was conducted in sensitive areas of the country. At that time, serious flaws in civil security arrangements were exposed in many districts - such as slow response of the control room, failure of light control in blackout, and lack of public awareness. This second mock drill is now being conducted to overcome these shortcomings.

What will happen during the mock drill?

War sirens will be sounded

Blackout conditions will be created

Civil Defence Wardens, NCC, NSS, NYKS, Bharat Scouts and Guides and registered volunteers will be involved in the exercise

People will be informed about evacuation, first aid, and emergency communication

What is a blackout and what precautions should be taken?

The purpose of a blackout is to protect against enemy air attack or surveillance. During this, no light should be visible outside, making it difficult to identify the urban area from the sky.

Take these measures during a blackout:

• Put black paper, curtains or blind shields on all windows
• Cover street lights, household bulbs and headlights of vehicles
• Do not do any lighting or decoration outside the house
• Cover torch and mobile lights with paper or cloth
• Cover the reflectors and beam lights of vehicles completely

Know your duties before the mock drill

This exercise is not only for government agencies, but common citizens also have an important role in it. For the security of the country and to protect their families, every citizen needs to participate in this exercise and follow the instructions.