New Delhi/IBNS, May 5 -- The Centre has asked all states to conduct security mock drills on Wednesday (May 7) for "effective civil defence in the event of a hostile attack" amid tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, media reports said.

The timing of the Centre's order is crucial. The last such drill was conducted in 1971, the year in which India and Pakistan went into war.

States have been asked to undertake crash blackout measures and provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations.

Following the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 civilians were shot down by terrorists with links to Pakistan, there has been a major escalation along the border.

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