Northeast to Participate in Nationwide Defence Drill on May 7 Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions: Check the List

In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, the Central government has announced a nationwide civic defence mock drill scheduled for May 7. This exercise aims to prepare civilians for self-protection during times of conflict and simulate responses to various hazards, including war-like scenarios.

The nationwide drill will take place across 259 locations, spread across three categories, with states in the Northeast included in Categories II and III. The drill is part of the government’s effort to ensure readiness and resilience in case of security threats and to familiarize citizens with emergency response protocols.

In the Northeastern region, several locations are designated for participation, including:

• Arunachal Pradesh

  • Category II: Aalo (West Siang), Itanagar, Tawang, Hayuliang

  • Category III: Bomdila

• Assam

  • Category II: Bongaigaon, Dibrugarh, Dhubri, Goalpara, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia, Tezpur, Digboi, Duliajan, Guwahati (Dispur), Rangia, Namrup, Nazira, North-Lakhimpur, Numaligarh

  • Category III: Darrang, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar

• Manipur

  • Category II: Imphal, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Moreh, Ningthoukhong

• Meghalaya

  • Category II: Shillong, Jowai, Tura

• Mizoram

  • Category II: Aizawl

• Nagaland

  • Category II: Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Mon, Phek, Tuensang, Wokha, Zunheboto, Kiphire, Peren

• Sikkim

  • Category II: Gangtok

• Tripura

  • Category II: Agartala

The selected districts, particularly those located in border states such as Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and the Northeast, have been instructed to simulate a variety of emergency scenarios, including air raids and other multi-hazard events. The aim is to ensure that the public is well-prepared for self-defence during times of crisis.

On May 7, air raid sirens will sound across these regions, signaling the start of the mock drills, which will involve civilians practicing their response in situations of heightened security threats, such as the outbreak of war.

To ensure proper coordination, Home Secretary Govind Mohan is leading a crucial meeting to assess and fine-tune the preparations for the nationwide drill. The meeting will include discussions with Chief Secretaries and Civil Defence Chiefs from various states, especially those overseeing the 244 designated Civil Defence Districts that were officially notified in 2010. These districts are pivotal in implementing civil defence strategies, and the government is particularly focused on their readiness to handle any emergency.

The drill will provide an opportunity for all the states involved to test their civil defence mechanisms, highlight any areas that need improvement, and ensure a coordinated response across the nation in case of an emergency. The exercise is an essential step in bolstering national security and preparing the public for unforeseen security challenges.