Assam simulates war readiness with statewide mock drills after Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 7, 2025

In a show of heightened readiness following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and India’s retaliatory air strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, Assam Civil Defence on Wednesday conducted synchronized mock drills across 23 strategic locations in the state.

The drills, led by the Directorate General of Civil Defence in coordination with district administrations, aimed to assess Assam’s preparedness for war-like or terror-linked emergencies. Simulations included air raid sirens, blackouts, civilian evacuations, and emergency response coordination, all designed to mirror real-time conflict scenarios.

In Guwahati, the main drill took place at the 10th Assam Police Battalion (APBN) campus in Kahilipara. Civil Defence (Kamrup Metro) led the operations, with active participation from the Assam Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire & Emergency Services, Health Department, and civil defence volunteers.

One of the most intense segments was the Air Raid Simulation Exercise, which tested the state’s capacity to respond to aerial threats, evacuate civilians swiftly, and contain the damage. The drills were carried out under high-alert conditions to mimic actual emergencies.

Deba Prasad Misra, Secretary of the Home & Political Department, Assam, addressed the gathering, calling the drills “critical” for building both public and institutional capacity. “These exercises strengthen our resilience and readiness to deal with any external threat,” he said.

Inspector General of Home Guards & Civil Defence Arabinda Kalita urged the public to remain alert and cooperative in emergencies, emphasizing the role of civilian awareness in crisis management.

High-ranking officials including IGP (Law & Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, Kamrup Metro DC Sumit Sattawan, Joint Commissioner of Police Ankur Jain, and Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania were present.

ADGP Akhilesh Singh, overseeing drills in multiple districts, stated, “These exercises are essential to stress-test our inter-agency coordination and refine rapid response mechanisms. Future sessions will address any gaps identified.”

Officials confirmed the drills proceeded smoothly with no untoward incidents. Follow-up assessments are scheduled to ensure continued improvement in Assam’s conflict preparedness amid rising regional security concerns.