Government instructs northern and western states, as well as Union Territories

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed states and Union Territories to activate air raid sirens and conduct blackout safety drills.
(UTs), particularly those in the north and west such as Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana, to conduct mock air raid drills on May 7.

This directive comes in response to rising tensions along the Line of Control and concerns over a potential military response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The government has emphasized the need to enhance civil defense mechanisms in preparation for possible hostile attacks. This includes the operationalization of air raid warning sirens, implementation of blackout measures in designated areas, and training civilians—students included—on safety protocols during aerial or ground assaults. Other critical actions involve rehearsing evacuation plans and camouflaging essential infrastructure, such as power plants and military facilities, to mitigate risks. The instructions are part of a broader effort to bolster civilian preparedness and administrative response capabilities amid escalating regional security threats. These directives were issued as high-level discussions continued in the capital. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Japanese counterpart, General Nakatani San, while Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh briefed Prime Minister Modi on urgent military matters. In their talks, the two defence leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and stressed the importance of increased cooperation to combat cross-border threats. Rajnath Singh specifically denounced Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism and underscored its destabilizing effects on regional security, advocating for a unified approach against such actions. Both India and Japan reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting regional stability, especially against the backdrop of China's expanding military presence in the Indo-Pacific. They agreed to enhance maritime cooperation and explored new dimensions of collaboration, including in artificial intelligence, cyber, and space technology. Additionally, Singh discussed the implications of cross-border terrorism on various nations and highlighted concerns regarding Pakistan's nuclear program.
He advised against investments in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to avert potential funding of terrorism. In his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, Defence Secretary R K Singh reportedly reviewed critical policies and purchasing strategies for the armed forces as the military evaluates its response options. The Defence Secretary oversees the defence budget, policy-making, and military acquisitions.
The Indian Express