India, May 6 -- In response to the latest terror strike on pilgrims in Pahalgam, the Central Government has issued countrywide Civil Defence mock drills to test the preparedness of local governments to handle mass emergencies, more so terror-related emergencies. Punjab and Chandigarh, which are strategically and demographically sensitive, have been chosen for large-scale mock operations planned on May 7, 2025.

Official reports indicate that 20 Civil Defence zones of Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh will be taking part in these exercises, which will comprise simulations of blackouts, mass evacuation, terror response drills, and tests of public communication.

The decision to conduct these drills comes immediately on the back o...