In a clear escalation of regional tension, India on Wednesday launched large-scale civilian “mock drills” across several states, simulating wartime conditions amid intensifying conflict with Pakistan.
The campaign, officially described as a preparedness initiative, is being widely promoted by Indian authorities and media.
The drills are designed to train civilians on how to respond in the event of direct military conflict—particularly aerial bombings.
Instructions include what actions to take during air raids, how to survive in devastated zones, and procedures for rescue and evacuation. The exercises are being conducted with active participation from the Indian Army, police forces, and civil defence units.
According to the Indian Home Ministry, 244 locations in various states were instructed to prepare for these drills.
Of those, 31 locations were in West Bengal, just across the border from Bangladesh.
Citing Home Ministry sources, Anandabazar.com reported that the exercises aim to make ordinary citizens ready for potential wartime scenarios. Promotional campaigns outlining drill procedures were circulated a day earlier, with many schools and institutions rehearsing throughout Tuesday.
The drills began just hours after India reportedly launched missile strikes on at least nine locations inside Pakistan-administered Kashmir late Wednesday night.
India’s attack followed a deadly ambush in Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir, last month that killed 26 Hindu pilgrims.
As fears of full-scale war between the two nuclear-armed nations intensify, this is the first time since the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War that India has initiated such widespread civilian war drills. Then, similar exercises were held in West Bengal. Now, 53 years later, the drills return under graver regional circumstances.
In a statement, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs noted that states were instructed to train citizens primarily in responding to aerial attacks. On Tuesday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a virtual meeting with state officials and civil defence authorities to finalise Wednesday’s exercises.
Schools closed amid missile tensions
Following India’s missile strikes, Pakistan closed multiple schools and colleges in Islamabad and across Punjab province. Emergency conditions were declared in several areas of Punjab.
Similarly, India also closed all schools in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch regions in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, citing security risks.