India's borders are on high alert. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security policy, 'Operation Shield' commenced on Friday, May 31st. This exercise is not merely a mock drill; it serves as a b message to India's adversaries.
Operation Shield: Following Pakistan's setback in Operation Sindhu, a frustrated Pakistan is poised to undertake any nefarious activity at any moment. Keeping this in mind, the Modi government launched Operation Shield to further strengthen the security of border states. This operation involves conducting mock drills of civil defense to test security arrangements and preparedness in border areas.
Today, a second mock drill under Operation Shield is being conducted, aiming to ensure a swift and effective response to potential emergencies.
What is Operation Shield?
Operation Shield is a nationwide exercise testing civil defense and emergency response capabilities conducted by the Indian government. These mock drills are specifically being conducted in border states bordering Pakistan, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
The objective of this exercise is to assess the coordination and response time between ordinary citizens, civil defense, disaster management forces, and local administration in the event of a potential war-like situation.
Who is Involved?
- NDRF (National Disaster Response Force)
- SDRF (State Disaster Response Force)
- Fire brigade and police forces
- Railway police and health department
- Civil defense wardens, volunteers, NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Scouts
- Local administration and medical emergency teams
This extensive exercise will begin at 5 PM and continue until 8 PM, simulating scenarios such as blackouts, air raid sirens, simulated drone attacks, and other emergency situations.
Civilians also receive training
This mock drill is not limited to security agencies. Ordinary citizens are also being made aware of how to protect themselves from enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones. People in villages, towns, and border cities are being instructed on how to reach safe locations upon hearing air raid sirens, how to turn off lights, and what immediate actions to take after an explosion.
Pakistan in Upheaval
As news of Operation Shield reached international media, the Pakistani army was thrown into disarray. It is reported that Pakistan is now frightened after India's significant military success in Operation Sindhu. Under the leadership of Army Chief Munir, the Pakistani army is apprehensive about India's next move.
Prime Minister Modi's indication at a Kanpur rally that "India will no longer merely react but will prepare before acting" has rattled Pakistan.
- Why is this mock drill necessary?
- The threat of cross-border terrorism
- The possibility of drone and missile attacks
- The strategy of mass infiltration
- The possibility of attacks such as chemical, biological, or gas leaks
India requires a unified strategy and rapid response time for all these scenarios. Operation Shield is a rehearsal for these situations. Ordinary citizens are also being given the opportunity to participate in the drill. Scenarios such as simulated explosions, gas leaks, mass panic, arson, and terrorist infiltration are presented to the public, training them to think, understand, and make correct decisions during a crisis.
