New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all states and Union Territories to activate emergency powers under the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, as security concerns mount along India’s western border. The directive enables swift procurement and deployment of civil defence resources in vulnerable areas through Section 11 of the Rules.

The move follows intensified hostilities between India and Pakistan. On May 7, India conducted precision strikes on terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. In retaliation, Pakistan launched drones and missiles at Indian military positions in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, targeting key installations in Srinagar, Pathankot, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj.

India’s Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence systems intercepted the threats. Authorities have since recovered debris from the intercepted drones and missiles, confirming the attempted strikes.

In the early hours of Thursday, Indian Armed Forces carried out further precision strikes, targeting Pakistani air defence systems. Sources confirmed that one such system near Lahore was among those destroyed.

Meanwhile, Pakistan intensified ceasefire violations along the Line of Control using mortars and heavy artillery across multiple sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri.

The shelling has led to the deaths of 16 civilians in India, including three women and five children.

High alert continues across several districts, especially in the western states, as civil defence machinery gears up under the new emergency order.

BI Bureau