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Indian Express
39 minutes ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Operation Shield: From J&K to Gujarat, air raid to drone attack simulations, mock rescue ops held weeks after India-Pak ‘ceasefire'
More than two weeks after New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to cessation of hostilities, four Indian states and two Union Territories neighbouring Pakistan held simulation exercises to prepare for air raids, drone attacks and other wartime scenarios on Saturday. Emergency response teams practised rescue operations as part of civil defence mock drills under Operation Shield in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Chandigarh. During the days following Operation Sindoor, under which India attacked 11 terror sites inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, heavy cross-border shelling and drone attacks were observed in border states. The emergency preparedness drill, initially scheduled for May 29, was postponed due to administrative reasons. A government press release reiterated the importance of the exercise, especially to close critical gaps identified during the previous nationwide drill conducted on May 7. A range of hostile situations were simulated on Saturday to evaluate the preparedness of civil and emergency response systems. These included air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and coordinated emergency response actions. The drills aimed to replicate real-life scenarios that could result from potential external threats, especially in areas located near the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh: A large number of civil defence volunteers participated in mock drills held in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. Blackout rehearsals were carried out with electricity supply shut off in many places. Volunteers also acted out scenarios where injured people would be required to be transported via stretchers to ambulances. The mock drills, which included exercises to extinguish fires, saw coordinated participation from multiple agencies, including the fire and emergency services, police, health department and disaster management authorities. Trained volunteers from the Civil Defence, National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) also participated in the exercise. A key highlight of Operation Shield was the massive participation of around 10,000 Civil Defence volunteers, who worked in close coordination with the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Home Guards and National Service Scheme (NSS). Jammu & Kashmir: As part of the mock drill conducted across Kashmir valley, a blackout was observed from 8 pm to 8:15 pm as lights of government buildings, houses and business establishments were turned off. In Srinagar, lights were turned off in the Lal Chowk City centre, including the historic Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower), officials said. Business activities, vehicular movement and routine operations were paused for the 15-minute duration, they added. Experts and personnel from State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Health Department, Fire and Emergency Services, along with a large number of students and locals participated in the exercises. Gujarat: Mock drills were held and blackouts were enforced in 18 districts of Gujarat, including Rajkot, Kutch, Patan, Morbi, Banaskantha, Chhota Udaipur and Nadiad. 'In Ahmedabad, a civil defence mock drill was organised at Sadar Bazar Cantonment in Shahibaug. Under these drills, programmes like volunteer mobilisation, air raid simulations, communication system activation, blackout protocol, blood donation camp and evacuation procedures were held,' an official release said. Rajasthan: A mock drill, simulating an air attack from hostile actors, took place in a school in Khatipura near Jaipur, where emergency response teams practised rescue operations. Civil Defence and SDRFs activated emergency response protocols, shifting volunteers enacting as injured to nearby hospitals. During the drill in Jaipur, people were simulated as being trapped on rooftops following the airstrike. Rescue teams used cranes to evacuate them safely.
India.com
5 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Real Reason Is Out: CDS Tells Why India Halted Operation Sindoor After 72 Hours
New Delhi: India and Pakistan unexpectedly announced a ceasefire on the evening of May 10 during the peak of Operation Sindoor. The decision left many surprised and sparked widespread speculation: why did India halt its offensive so suddenly? Nearly 20 days later, the answer has come straight from the top. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan revealed that India had already achieved all its military objectives within just three days and that halting the operation was a strategic decision, not a compromise. Operation Sindoor was launched shortly after midnight between May 6 and 7 as a direct response to Pakistan-backed April 22 deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. India retaliated with precision airstrikes and targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Over 100 terrorists were neutralised, including Jaish-e-Mohammed's key commander Abdul Rauf Azhar. India also crippled Pakistan's air defense systems and demolished key airbases in Skardu, Jacobabad, Sargodha and Bholari. Between May 7 and 10, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) that resulted in the death of 15 Indian civilians and one soldier. But India was ready. On the morning of May 10, the Indian armed forces launched BrahMos missile strikes and destroyed Pakistan's Noor Khan-Chaklala airbase near Rawalpindi. The offensive caused significant casualties among Pakistani troops. Faced with mounting losses, Pakistan reached out for a ceasefire, which India accepted as it had already delivered a decisive blow. Strategy, Not Surrender General Chauhan emphasised that India executed Operation Sindoor with clarity, autonomy and a long-term vision. He highlighted that while Pakistan once held an upper hand post-1947, India's consistent strategy has now placed it ahead in economic, social and human development indices. Talking about past efforts, he said, 'Prime Minister Modi invited Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in in 2014. But in return, we received only hostility. It became clear that distancing from Pakistan is the wiser strategy.' Even after the ceasefire, the Indian military remains alert. Officials have warned that any future provocation from Pakistan will be met with a firm and decisive response. Apart from being a counterattack, Operation Sindoor was a statement as well. It showcased India's growing military might and sent a clear message that terrorism will not go unanswered.
NDTV
15 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Operation Shield: Security Drills In States Neighbouring Pakistan Today
New Delhi: In a significant move to enhance national security preparedness, civil defense mock drills will be conducted on Saturday, under 'Operation Shield' across several states and Union Territories sharing borders with Pakistan. The exercises are scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. and will be held in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Chandigarh, focussing on regions closest to the border and most susceptible to cross-border threats. Initially planned for May 29, the drills were rescheduled due to administrative reasons. A government press release issued on May 29 confirmed the new date and emphasised the importance of this exercise in bolstering readiness and closing critical gaps identified during a similar nationwide drill conducted earlier this month on May 7. 'Operation Shield' is designed to simulate hostile situations, including air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and various emergency response actions to evaluate the preparedness of civil authorities, emergency services, and local populations. The drills aim to replicate real-time scenarios that may arise from potential external threats, particularly in sensitive districts near the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). According to official sources, complete blackouts will be enforced in identified vulnerable civilian areas across Punjab, except for essential services such as hospitals and emergency response units. Sirens will be sounded to alert residents, and mock response measures will be enacted to test how effectively communities and response agencies react under pressure. Government officials highlighted that the previous nationwide exercise revealed several operational deficiencies, prompting the need for follow-up drills focussed specifically on high-risk zones. This initiative underscores the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen civil defence mechanisms amid heightened regional security concerns. The drills are expected to significantly improve inter-agency coordination, public awareness, and the ability of local systems to respond swiftly and efficiently in the event of any hostile act or natural disaster affecting the border regions.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Operation Shield: Mock drills in J&K, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan and Chandigarh - Know date, timing, activities & more
Operation Shield date & timing: Security agencies are all set to carry out Operation Shield, a large-scale mock drill, across six states and Union Territories (UTs) in India. This will be the second phase of the Civil Defence Exercise, designed to improve emergency response and public safety in areas near the Pakistan border. Let's take a closer look at the date, timings, participating states, and what will happen during the drill. Operation Shield details Date: 31 May 2025 Timings: 5:00 PM onwards States/UTs: Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan and Chandigarh Purpose: Enhance emergency response and community readiness Involvement: Civil Defence, NCC, NSS, NYKS, Bharat Scouts & Guides Main activities: Evacuation drills, sirens, communication tests, hotline activation When is Operation Shield? Check Date and Timings The mock drill, named Operation Shield, is scheduled to take place on 31 May 2025, starting at 5:00 PM onwards. However, the timings may vary slightly depending on local convenience, as mentioned in a press release issued on 29 May 2025. States and UTs Participating in Operation Shield This mock drill will be conducted across districts close to the India-Pakistan border. The six participating states and UTs include: Punjab Jammu and Kashmir Gujarat Haryana Rajasthan Chandigarh These regions are considered sensitive due to their proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) and are often vulnerable to cross-border threats. The goal of Operation Shield is to strengthen coordination among security forces and improve local response capabilities. Why Operation Shield is Being Conducted Operation Shield is a follow-up to the first Civil Defence Exercise held on 7 May 2025, just before Operation Sindoor – India's military action in response to a terrorist attack. The recent drills aim to enhance alertness, community engagement, and readiness in case of real emergencies. According to Umesh Sharma, Assistant Director General of Civil Defence, all local administrations and stakeholders are encouraged to fully participate and share an action report after the drill is completed. Who Will Be Involved in the Mock Drill A wide range of organisations and volunteers will take part in the drill. Participants include: Civil Defence Wardens Civil Defence Volunteers Youth groups like NCC (National Cadet Corps), NSS (National Service Scheme), NYKS (Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan), and Bharat Scouts & Guides This collective effort shows the importance of involving the community in national safety and defence measures. Activities Planned During Operation Shield The mock drill will include various simulated emergency scenarios to test the preparedness of all involved. Some of the main activities are: Silent and general recall of Civil Defence volunteers Evacuation drills Emergency communication tests Activation of hotlines between the Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms Use of air raid sirens controlled from central hubs These activities aim to ensure that, in the event of a real threat, the response can be quick, organised, and effective. Operation Shield in the Context of Operation Sindoor The timing of Operation Shield is notable, as it comes after Operation Sindoor, India's military strike on April 22, 2025, in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. In that operation, the Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted attacks on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). From May 7 to 10, India witnessed four days of heightened military tension, including shelling and attempted drone attacks by Pakistan. This backdrop further explains why Operation Shield and its mock drills are critical for national preparedness. What to Expect on 31 May Residents living in the above-mentioned states and UTs should not panic on 31 May when they hear air raid sirens or see evacuation exercises in progress. These are part of Operation Shield, a planned mock drill to keep everyone prepared for any emergency. Security agencies urge full cooperation from the public, local officials, and volunteers to ensure the success of the exercise. Stay informed, stay safe. Operation Shield is about strengthening our nation's defence—together. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Unfortunate that people want to undo development in Kashmir': Congress' Salman Khurshid on Pak hand in Pahalgam terror
Former External Affairs Minister and Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Friday said that it is was unfortunate that 'people (Pakistan) want to undo the development and prosperity that has come to Kashmir.' The Congress leader, who is in Indonesia as part of an all-party delegation to rally support against cross-border terror from Pakistan, also spoke about how India 'sent a message' to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor, which was aimed at terror camps beyond the Line of Control. While addressing Indonesian think thanks and academia, Khurshid said, 'Kashmir had a major problem for a long time. Much of that was reflected in the thinking of the government in an Article called 370 of the Constitution, which somehow gave an impression that it was separate from the rest of the country. But Article 370 was abrogated and it was finally put to an end.' Khurshid also highlighted that there is an elected government in Kashmir with a 65 percent voter turnout. 'There's an elected government in Kashmir today and therefore for people to want to undo everything that has happened is unfortunate,' he said. #WATCH | Jakarta, Indonesia | 'Kashmir had a major problem for a long time. Much of that was reflected in the thinking of the government in an article called 370 of the Constitution, which somehow gave an impression that it was separate from the rest of the country. But Article… — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2025 The Congress leader also asserted, 'As you know, in this part of the world, nobody can be told to give up a part of your sovereignty, to give up a part of your family. Kashmir and we are family together. Nobody can break up our family and our home. That is the only message we are giving.' Speaking about Operation Sindoor, Khurshid said, 'The limited exercise that we need to do to keep our family safe is the only thing we did for four days, in which we tried to send a message to Pakistan that please, don't do this misadventure. You will not succeed.' Salman Khurshid is part of an all-party delegation, led by JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, tasked with briefing countries on Operation Sindoor and India's action and stance against terrorism. Khurshid's delegation is visiting Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore as part of their multi-nation tour.
