MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): India has postponed mock drills that were planned for Thursday in areas bordering Pakistan, citing administrative reasons, according to Indian media reports.
The mock drills had been announced shortly after both countries agreed to a ceasefire, following a serious military clash. As part of “Operation Shield”, the Indian government had earlier stated that drills would be held in Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
These exercises were being organised under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and were expected to simulate emergencies such as air raids, drone strikes, and wartime scenarios in light of recent security concerns.
Dr Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department in Haryana, had said, “The exercise aims to test existing emergency mechanisms, improve coordination between the civil administration, defence forces, and local communities, and identify areas that need to be strengthened, thus ensuring swift and effective response during any crisis.”
A similar large-scale drill was carried out earlier on May 7, shortly after India carried out airstrikes inside Pakistan, targeting civilian areas including mosques.
The recent military tensions came to a halt on May 10, after a ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump. The ceasefire followed Pakistan’s retaliatory operation, named “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”, in response to what it called India’s unprovoked missile and drone attacks on civilian and military targets.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, along with dozens of drones during the confrontation. A total of 53 people lost their lives in the Indian strikes, including 13 armed forces personnel and 40 civilians.
The conflict had been triggered by an attack in IIOJK last month, in which 26 tourists were killed. India blamed Pakistan for the incident, although no evidence was presented to support the claim.
The Civil Defence Exercise “Operation Shield,” a mock drill scheduled for 29 May 2025 in states bordering Pakistan, has been postponed in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Haryana due to “administrative reasons”.
