India Urges States to Enhance Civil Defence Amid Rising Border Tensions

In the wake of escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has called upon all states and Union Territories to bolster their civil defence mechanisms. This directive comes amidst concerns over potential threats and is in accordance with the Civil Defence Act and Rules of 1968.

Highlighting the urgency, the MHA letter sent to states and UTs, titled 'Augmentation of Civil Defence Measures in the States/UTs,' underscored the empowerment provided to state governments under Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968. This section authorizes state authorities to take crucial actions to safeguard citizens and crucial infrastructure during hostile situations.

The appeal followed a series of drone and missile strikes by Pakistani forces targeting the Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan regions. Indian defense officials have reported that the air defense systems, including the S-400, successfully intercepted the attacks, mitigating severe damage.

Response measures include granting emergency procurement powers to Directors of Civil Defence at state levels to enable rapid, effective deployment of protective strategies.

The heightened military activities have led to a sharp rise in hostilities following India's Operation Sindoor. The operation targeted terrorist camps in response to a recent lethal attack in Kashmir that took the lives of 26 tourists. Ongoing tensions have drawn international attention, prompting calls for diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation.

(With inputs from agencies.)