UN Chief Condemns Pahalgam Attack as India Prepares for Civil Defence Drills Amid Escalating Tensions with Pakistan
In the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, tensions continue to mount between India and Pakistan, prompting urgent international and domestic responses.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack and emphasized that those responsible must be held accountable.
Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region, Guterres stated that the UN is willing to offer its “good offices” to support dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with the aim of promoting de-escalation and restoring peace.
As diplomatic efforts continue to gather pace internationally, the Government of India is simultaneously ramping up its internal preparedness, particularly along the sensitive border regions and vulnerable civilian zones.
In response to the growing threat perception, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed multiple state governments to conduct nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7, 2025, to ensure readiness in the event of a hostile strike.
According to government sources, these civil defence exercises will include a wide range of preparedness activities such as:
- Operationalisation of air raid warning sirens
- Testing and rehearsal of evacuation plans
- Training civilians and students in emergency safety protocols
- Implementation of blackout procedures
- Camouflaging of strategic facilities and critical infrastructure
The drills are designed to simulate real-time attack scenarios, enabling both the public and local authorities to practice effective responses and minimize casualties during potential escalations or cross-border hostilities.
Meanwhile, on Monday, May 5, the Indian Army reported that several forward posts and civilian locations in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC), came under small arms fire from Pakistani forces.
Though no casualties were immediately reported, the Indian military is maintaining heightened vigilance and has reportedly fortified key installations in the affected areas.
Amid the growing instability, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted his Japanese counterpart, General Nakatani, for strategic-level discussions in New Delhi.
Their talks covered a range of topics, including the global threat of terrorism, regional security dynamics, and the strengthening of bilateral defence cooperation, especially in the context of China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and pledged enhanced collaboration in defense technology, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism strategies.
Back at the grassroots level, residents of border villages in Jammu, including areas like Chandu Chak, are making urgent appeals to local authorities for the repair and completion of unfinished border bunkers.
These defensive structures, located just a few hundred meters from Pakistani military positions, serve as the only protective shield for civilians during episodes of cross-border shelling.
Despite their critical importance, many of these bunkers remain partially constructed or in a state of disrepair, rendering them unsafe or unusable in emergency situations.
Villages such as Chandu Chak have previously borne the brunt of heavy shelling in 2014, 2018, and 2020, underscoring the need for immediate infrastructure reinforcement.
In Poonch, another sensitive district in Jammu and Kashmir, even schools are being drawn into the effort to build resilience. At Middle School Salotri, teachers have begun training students in basic survival techniques to prepare for sudden shelling incidents.
These drills involve instructing children to take cover under desks and evacuate to nearby bunkers as soon as it is safe to do so. Authorities emphasize that these measures are crucial in reducing potential casualties and ensuring psychological readiness among the youth in these high-risk zones.
Officials from the Home Ministry reiterated that the upcoming May 7 drills will also involve educational institutions, ensuring that children and teaching staff are well-versed in civil defence protocols.
The drills are part of a wider strategy to instill preparedness among all sections of society, from metropolitan cities to rural and border communities.
The backdrop to these developments remains the rising tension with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, which has not only disrupted the fragile peace along the LoC but also triggered fears of further military escalation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a statement made on April 24, had vowed stern action, promising that those responsible for the attack—and any entities aiding them—would face decisive consequences.
Further solidifying India’s defense posture, Modi, during a high-level security meeting on April 29, granted the Indian armed forces “complete operational freedom” to determine how, when, and where to retaliate, according to sources cited by the Press Trust of India (PTI).
As the situation remains tense, the coming days are likely to be critical in determining the trajectory of regional stability. With civil defence mechanisms being tested, military forces on alert, and diplomatic backchannels being activated, the world watches closely, hoping for restraint, but preparing for all outcomes.
