Poonch mock drill 2026: Civil Defence exercise sparks panic, triggers Operation Sindoor memories

Panic gripped the inhabitants of the border district of Poonch in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as the district administration announced a schedule to conduct a mock exercise from April 20 to April 25.

The mock drill will be conducted on the first anniversary of the heinous Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, in which 26 tourists lost their lives.

The administration in Poonch has announced a comprehensive district-wide civil defence mock drill. The exercise, scheduled from April 20 to April 24, 2026, will simulate air raid and blackout scenarios aimed at bolstering emergency preparedness and enhancing coordinated response mechanisms.

Residents of Poonch have reasons to panic, as they bore the maximum brunt during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

On the night of May 6 and 7, 2025, sixteen innocent civilians—including three minors—tragically lost their lives due to unprovoked shelling by the Pakistani Army in retaliation for Operation Sindoor, launched by the Armed Forces in response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack.

Among the victims were three children, including twin siblings. Several of the injured later succumbed due to a lack of access to advanced medical treatment in Poonch.

An official communication was issued by the Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), acting under the directives of the Deputy Inspector General of Civil Defence and SDRF Jammu. The communication mandates all relevant departments to ensure meticulous planning and seamless execution of this critical drill.

Key Departments Involved in Preparedness Exercise

A range of key officials and departments have been directed to participate and collaborate closely with civil defence authorities. These include the senior superintendent of police, the chief medical officer, and executive engineers from departments such as Public Works (Roads and Buildings), Irrigation and Flood Control, Jal Shakti, and Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL). Additionally, representatives from the Municipal Council, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Fire and Emergency Services are required to ensure the drill is conducted effectively and efficiently.

The participating departments have been tasked with making advance arrangements to facilitate the exercise. These include comprehensive public awareness campaigns to inform residents about the drill and its purpose, organising necessary logistics to support the simulated events, and strengthening inter-departmental coordination. The overarching goals are to ensure public safety, encourage widespread participation, and minimise any potential inconvenience during the drill period.

Monitoring and Assessment of Drill Outcomes

Following the completion of the mock drill, authorities are required to submit detailed action-taken reports to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. These reports will then be forwarded to higher authorities, enabling thorough monitoring and assessment of the exercise’s effectiveness. This process is designed to identify areas of strength and potential improvement in the district’s civil defence and emergency response capabilities.

The initiative underscores a commitment to enhancing the resilience of the district in the face of potential emergencies. By conducting realistic simulations, the administration aims to equip both personnel and the public with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond appropriately during actual crises.