Jammu & Kashmir, May 28, 2025 – The nationwide civil defence mock drill titled ‘Operation Shield’, scheduled to be held on May 29 across border states including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Chandigarh, has been postponed. According to officials, the postponement is due to “administrative reasons,” and a fresh date for the exercise will be announced later.

The mock drill, ‘Operation Shield’ postponed across J&K comes amid heightened security surveillance in border areas following recent geopolitical developments and military engagements. The drill was intended to test civilian and security readiness in case of aerial threats, including missile strikes, drone attacks, and other emergencies.

Why Was Operation Shield Postponed?

Multiple state governments, including the J&K administration, cited administrative and logistical concerns for postponing the civil defence drill. A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:

“This kind of preparedness activity requires complex coordination among multiple departments including police, civil defence, emergency medical services, and the armed forces. Some regions needed more time to prepare. Hence, it was decided to defer the exercise.”

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier directed states bordering Pakistan to conduct a synchronized drill to test the readiness of both the public and authorities to respond to wartime emergencies.

What Was Planned in Operation Shield?

The mock drill Operation Shield was designed as a large-scale simulation involving sirens, blackouts, public alerts, and even mock evacuations in select districts. In Jammu and Kashmir, the drill was set to be conducted in sensitive zones, particularly in districts closer to the Line of Control (LoC).

Key components of the planned drill included:

• Activation of civil defence sirens
• Simulation of missile and drone attack scenarios
• Evacuation drills for schoolchildren and residents in specific areas
• Testing emergency communication protocols
• Coordination between district disaster management authorities, police, and paramilitary forces

The goal was to test response time, coordination, and the ability to mobilize emergency services under high-stress conditions.

Read Also: Operation Sindoor: PM Modi’s Strong Warning to Pakistan as Tensions Escalate

Source: NewsX

Impact Across States

While Jammu and Kashmir was among the first regions to postpone the mock drill, similar decisions followed in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Chandigarh. These postponements suggest a coordinated rethinking of the timing of Operation Shield.

Haryana Went Ahead

Interestingly, the state of Haryana went ahead with the scheduled drill. The state conducted blackout exercises in multiple districts and simulated emergency response actions, including coordination with the Indian Air Force.

Punjab Reschedules to June 3

The Punjab government has rescheduled its mock drill to June 3. According to the state’s home department, the delay was caused by the ongoing training of civil defence teams with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The department emphasized that the postponement was aimed at ensuring the preparedness of all involved teams.

Civil Defence and Public Reaction

The news of the postponement has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Many residents in J&K who were informed about the upcoming mock drill expressed concern over being caught off guard by emergencies in the future.

Some key concerns from citizens included:

• Lack of awareness about emergency protocols
• No recent training or community-level briefings
• Uncertainty over when the drill will now be held

However, civil defence authorities reassured the public that these drills are essential but must be conducted only when all preparations are in place.

What Officials Are Saying

Officials have confirmed that the drill is not canceled but merely delayed. A spokesperson for the J&K Disaster Management Authority stated:

“Public safety is our top priority. We want the mock drill to be meaningful and effective, not just a formality. Once all logistical and coordination issues are resolved, a new date will be announced.”

A senior defence official also confirmed that sensitive installations, particularly near the border, are under constant surveillance and in a state of readiness regardless of the drill schedule.

 

Importance of Mock Drills in Border States

Civil defence mock drills like Operation Shield are crucial for states located along India’s international borders. These areas are more vulnerable to external threats and require faster, more efficient emergency responses.

Why These Drills Matter:

• Preparedness: Educate civilians on how to react during emergencies
• Coordination: Improve synergy between civil and military agencies
• Gap Identification: Highlight weaknesses in emergency protocols
• Community Confidence: Reassure the public that the system is ready

In regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where civilian populations live close to the LoC, the role of such drills becomes even more critical. Past conflicts and cross-border incidents have shown the need for rapid, coordinated evacuation and response mechanisms.

Will the Drill Be Rescheduled?

While no official date has been set, it is expected that Operation Shield will be rescheduled sometime in June or July 2025. The Ministry of Home Affairs is reportedly in talks with state governments to finalize new dates based on local preparedness levels.

Sources indicate that a staggered approach might be adopted—allowing states to conduct the drill individually instead of in a coordinated manner—so each administration has adequate time to prepare.

Key Takeaways

• Mock drill ‘Operation Shield’ postponed across J&K and other border states
• Administrative and logistical issues cited as the reason
• Drill involved simulations of air attacks, blackouts, and evacuations
• Haryana conducted the drill as planned, while Punjab rescheduled to June 3
• The Ministry of Home Affairs will announce new dates soon
• Civil defence officials stress the importance of readiness and public safety

Final Word

While the mock drill Operation Shield has been postponed across J&K and other states, its objectives remain as vital as ever. As India continues to strengthen its homeland security infrastructure, public participation and preparedness will be key.

Authorities urge the public to remain alert and await further instructions regarding emergency preparedness activities. Drills like these, though disruptive, are vital to ensuring that when a real threat emerges, both the government and citizens are ready to respond swiftly and effectively.