Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states to conduct civil defence mock drills across 244 districts on May 7. The move comes in response to what the Centre described as “new and complex threats” in the current geopolitical scenario.
The nationwide drill—set to take place on Wednesday—will be conducted in key states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. The focus will be on enhancing emergency preparedness and strengthening response mechanisms across both urban and rural areas.
The directive follows the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 people lost their lives, prompting heightened security measures across the country. “We are reviewing preparedness. Loop holes to be rectified have been identified,” a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) official said following a high-level meeting at the MHA.
According to the ministry, the drills aim to test coordination among local agencies and improve public awareness around civil defence measures. The initiative underscores the government’s intent to stay vigilant amid evolving security challenges.
Pakistani forces continued to break the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir by opening fire without provocation in several areas. In response, the Indian Army gave a strong and calibrated retaliation. This marks the 12th night in a row that Pakistan has violated the ceasefire amid escalating tensions between the two countries. According to a Defence spokesperson in Jammu, during the night of May 5–6, Pakistani troops fired small arms across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. The latest round of firing further weakens the ceasefire deal made in February 2021, which is now seen as largely ineffective due to Pakistan’s repeated violations along the 740-kilometre LoC.
Indus Waters Treaty suspension – A cause for global climate concern?
In a bold move following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, India had suspended the Indus Waters Treaty — a decades-old water-sharing pact with Pakistan. This decision has triggered alarm across the region, with experts warning that climate stress is turning South Asia’s rivers into tools of political pressure.
Signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, the treaty had been seen as a rare symbol of cooperation. But critics say the agreement is now under threat — not just from terrorism and politics, but from melting glaciers and erratic river flows due to climate change.
For Pakistan, heavily dependent on the Indus and its western tributaries for drinking water, agriculture and hydropower, India’s move is a major blow. It increases control over upstream waters.
Pakistan has already taken the issue to international forums like the UN. Many argue that this isn’t just a bilateral conflict anymore — it’s a global climate justice issue. As one farmer in Punjab put it: “If the river goes, we go too.”
This could mark the beginning of a larger battle — not just over water, but over survival in a warming world.
Pahalgam attack LIVE: Visuals from Ferozepur after activation of siren for mock drills
Pahalgam attack LIVE: MEA slams 'absurd' OIC statement
"The OIC statement, issued at the behest of Pakistan, is absurd in refusing to recognise the facts of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages. This is yet another attempt by Pakistan, a country that has long engaged in cross-border terrorism, to manipulate and misguide the OIC Group to issue a self-serving statement. We reject the OIC’s interference on matters that are internal to India," an MEA Spokesperson said.
Pahalgam attack LIVE: PM Modi says 'Bharat ka paani ab...'
Pahalgam attack LIVE: IAF to hold 2-day wargame along frontier with Pakistan
The Indian Air Force will carry out a two-day mega military exercise along the border with Pakistan from Wednesday that will involve all the frontline fighter jets including Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguar aircraft, sources in the defence establishment said on Tuesday.
The exercise is taking place amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
India's civil aviation authorities have already issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the major air exercise that will largely take place along the southern and western section of the Indo-Pakistan border.
India's frontline fighter jets including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft are set to feature in the exercise, the sources said.
Pahalgam attack LIVE: Seven Pakistan army soldiers killed in blast in Balochistan
Seven Pakistan army soldiers were killed on Tuesday when their vehicle was targeted by an improvised explosive device in the troubled southwestern province of Balochistan, Pakistan's military said in a statement.
Defence mock drills in Bengaluru tomorrow; sirens have been installed at 35 locations
The Karnataka Police Department said on Tuesday that the defence mock drills will be conducted at three locations in the state as per directions from the Union government in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
“We have decided to conduct the mock drills in Bengaluru, Karwar, and Raichur at 4 PM on Wednesday. Meetings have already been held with officials from the Fire Services and Civil Defence departments,” officials said.
Pakistani PM visits ISI headquarters,briefed about 'preparations'
Local media reports indicated that Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif had visited the headquarters of the Inter-Services Intelligence on Tuesday. He was briefed about the country's preparations for a "conventional threat".
“The leadership was apprised of regional security developments and the evolving threat matrix, including conventional military options, hybrid warfare tactics and terrorist proxies,” Dawn quoted state-broadcaster PTV News as saying.
The post was not available on X for Indian viewers due to an ongoing crackdown.
Pahalgam attack LIVE: Mehbooba Mufti appeals for release of detained Kashmiris
Former CM Mehbooba Mufti wrote a letter to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha calling for a review into recent detention of Kashmiri locals.
"During my visit to Pahalgam yesterday, many local residents expressed deep fear & anxiety about being arbitrarily detained by the police. In the aftermath of the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, the response has included a sweeping clampdown with thousands of civilians reportedly taken into custody," she added.
Pahalgam attack LIVE: 'Entire nation is awaiting justice' says Rahul Gandhi
"I met the bereaved family of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal ji who was martyred in the Pahalgam attack and shared their grief and consoled them. Their courage and bravery even in the midst of immense grief is a message for the country - we have to remain united. The whole country stands with the families of the martyrs. The opposition fully supports the government - the culprits should be punished in such a way that no one dares to raise an eye towards India. Today the entire nation along with the victim families is waiting for justice," he wrote on X.
Pahalgam attack LIVE: Preparations for mock drills underway in Lucknow
Pahalgam attack LIVE: India sees spike in spy calls seeking critical info
As tensions simmer between India and Pakistan, security agencies have observed a marked rise in suspected spy calls in the border regions. Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Sudheer Choudhary told ANI that there has been an increase in attempts to extract sensitive information via phone calls, often by individuals posing as Army or senior government officers.
"We have held internal meetings and alerted all officers to remain vigilant. These callers attempt to gather details about critical infrastructure and troop movements by impersonating officials," SP Choudhary said.
He urged civilians, especially those living near defence establishments or vital installations, not to share any information with unknown callers and to immediately report any such incidents to the police.
Choudhary also warned that the modus operandi has shifted--from recruiting agents through honey traps to directly seeking sensitive information. One such agent has already been apprehended. There are several individuals in Jaisalmer on long-term visas, with relatives in Pakistan. It's possible they are being coerced or lured with money to share classified details.
Maharashtra will conduct mock drills in the coastal areas on Wednesday in response to the directives from the Home Ministry. Director of Maharashtra Civil Defence, Prabhat Kumar, said all the agencies under the collector will take part in the mock drills.
"Till 2010, the main objective of the civil defence was to recruit volunteers during wartime, but after 2010, disaster management was also included... Tomorrow, we will do mock drills in the coastal areas. All the agencies under the collector will take part. We will assess the things and then will take action as to what we need to improve. We have full faith in the government and army, and if something happens, we all should be mentally ready and aware of the smaller things that can help," he told ANI.
Pahalgam attack live: Home Ministry holds key meeting ahead of mock drill
the Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance Civil Defence effectiveness. The measures to be undertaken include operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, and others on Civil Defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.
The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance Civil Defence effectiveness. The measures to be undertaken include operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, and others on Civil Defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.
As the UN Security Council held a closed-door session in New York following the Pahalgam terror attack, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said no major outcome is likely due to expected vetoes by China and other nations. Tharoor noted that Pakistan faced tough questions from members over Lashkar-e-Taiba’s role, while India was not present in the meeting. He added that the Council would likely issue a general statement on peace and terrorism. Sources said Pakistan's “false flag” narrative failed to convince members, and the session saw broad condemnation of terrorism without a formal UNSC resolution or statement.
In light of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has directed a large-scale civil defence mock drill across 244 loactions on May 7. The exercise aims to strengthen emergency preparedness and enhance coordination among local authorities.
The nationwide drill will be conducted in key states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. The ministry has emphasized the importance of ensuring "effective civil defence" through these drills. The initiative is being seen as a proactive measure to assess the country’s readiness in the face of any unforeseen situation.
List of 244 districts where the civil defence #mockdrills will be conducted tomorrow (May 7).#mha #india pic.twitter.com/F0nuU7R8rU
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 6, 2025
Pahalgam attack live: Ashok Gehlot says nation stands united with the govt
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that the nation stands united with the government in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The senior Congress leader also stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh should have complete freedom to take any decisions needed in response to the attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists, in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
Pahalgam attack live: Sanjay Raut says mock drills are commons when tension is running high
Commenting on the nationwide mock drills scheduled for tomorrow, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that such drills are common when there are tensions similar to wartime. He noted that India has faced situations like the 1971 war and the Kargil conflict in the past. While he has no objection to the government conducting drills, he pointed out that unlike in 1971, modern communication tools now make it easier to guide the public on how to respond in such situations.
Pahalgam attack live: Union Home Secretary to review mock drill plans
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan will review the plans on Tuesday to improve civil defence systems. This includes holding mock drills using air-raid sirens, training people on how to stay safe during an enemy attack, and preparing bunkers and trenches for use. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also directed all states to carry out these mock drills on Wednesday. This decision comes in response to growing tensions with Pakistan and the increasing threat of complex security challenges after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Pahalgam attack live: Parts of Chenab start to dry up
Parts of the Chenab River have begun to dry up after India shut all the gates of the Baglihar and Salal dams, reducing the water flow to Pakistan, reported ANI. This step is part of a series of diplomatic measures India has taken against Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, under which the water rights of rivers like Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej were divided between the two countries in 1960. Pakistan relies heavily on this river system to irrigate a large portion of its farmland. To prevent harm to aquatic life, a small amount of water is still being released from one gate of both the Baglihar and Salal dams as part of regular protocol.
Pahalgam attack live: Mock drills on May 7 as tensions escalate between India-Pakistan
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is stepping up its efforts by conducting mock drills on May 7 across 244 designated districts in the country. These drills will test systems such as air raid sirens, evacuation procedures, and blackout protocols, amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. In a letter dated May 5, the Union Home Minister informed Chief Secretaries that the purpose of the exercise is to evaluate and improve the Civil Defence capabilities across all states and Union Territories.
Pahalgam attack live: Pakistan continues to violate ceasefire
Pakistan continued to violate the ceasefire along the LoC for the 12th consecutive night, to which the Indian Army responded with swift and strong retaliation. The Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pahalgam attack live: UNSC poses tough questions for Pakistan
At the recent 'closed-door' meeting held by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the Kashmir issue, members raised several difficult questions for Pakistan, according to sources in New York cited by ANI. The 15-member Council met behind closed doors on Monday amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
There was no official statement released after the meeting, which was held at Pakistan's request. Pakistan is a non-permanent member of the Council, while Greece, currently holding the presidency for May, is a permanent representative. ANI Sources said that Council members strongly questioned Pakistan’s claims and did not accept its version suggesting a "false flag" operation. Instead, they raised concerns about the possible involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a banned terrorist group with known links to Pakistan, in the attack.