Mock drills across the country on Wednesday – The army will teach self-defense techniques.
War has begun!
But not against the traditional enemy — this war will be fought within the country.
Why?
Because before retaliating across the border, the entire nation needs to be prepared for war.
To ready the people for any wartime scenario, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has ordered all citizens to participate in a mock drill on Wednesday. This doesn’t mean war among ourselves, but rather a nationwide practice session in support of the armed forces, with active participation from capable students and citizens where necessary.
Just like the mock drills held prior to the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
What happened 54 years ago from today?
Many have now forgotten that blood-soaked chapter of the Indian subcontinent’s history. A large section of today’s generation is unaware of India’s monumental victory. India defeated Pakistan on two fronts simultaneously in that war.
At that time, East Pakistan — now Bangladesh — was in the midst of a liberation war. Under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership, the people of East Pakistan were fighting for independence, with India lending its full support. Suddenly, Pakistan launched “Operation Chengiz Khan,” bombing eight Indian airbases and beginning an attack on India.
Following this, under orders from the “Iron Lady” Indira Gandhi, India declared war on Pakistan. Indian armed forces engaged simultaneously on the western and eastern fronts.
The date was December 3, 1971.
In a 13-day war, India decisively defeated Pakistan on both fronts. On December 16, Pakistan surrendered to India in East Pakistan. India took 93,000 Pakistani troops as prisoners of war, including 81,000 soldiers and around 10,342–12,500 non-combatants — members of military families and the notorious Razakar militia.
Following this victory, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi gave birth to a new nation — Bangladesh.
Before that war, the Indira Gandhi-led government had conducted mock drills across the country to prepare citizens. Since fighting simultaneously on both eastern and western fronts required public preparedness, these drills became essential.
Now, in the wake of the Pahalgam massacre, the central government fears a situation similar to 1971 might arise again.
Following directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs, mock drills will be held on Wednesday in several states to prepare for possible wartime conditions. While Monday’s official notice did not name specific states, it mentioned “several states and union territories.” Among those expected to be involved are Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Due to threats from the Bangladesh side, similar drills may also be held in Assam and other northeastern states.
The Ministry of Home Affairs outlined three main points in its directive:
1. Activating air raid sirens to alert the public of possible air strikes;
2. Training civilians and students on how to respond during such emergencies;
3. Preparing for sudden blackouts — what steps to take, emergency actions, and how rescue operations should be carried out — all to be practiced during Wednesday’s mock drill.
Meanwhile, on Sunday at 9 PM, the Indian Army conducted a “Blackout Drill” in Firozpur Cantonment, Punjab. Residents had been warned not to use any lights during the drill. As the cantonment lies near the Line of Control, this step was highly significant. Local people cooperated by staying indoors and keeping all lights off. The blaring sirens in the darkness created a warlike atmosphere.
Similar drills will be conducted across multiple states and union territories on Wednesday.
This directive from the central ministry suggests that India may be seriously preparing for war.
The war drums have begun to beat.