Amritsar Conducts Blackout Drill, Residents Advised to Stay Indoors

Fast Summary

• A nationwide civil defense mock drill, ‘Operation Abhyaas’, included blackout rehearsals across India, which were conducted in response to security concerns following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
• In Amritsar, a blackout drill originally held from 10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. resumed early Thursday morning at around 1:30 a.m., with residents urged to stay indoors and avoid panic.
• The Amritsar District Public Relations Officer issued messages advising people to keep exterior lights off and refrain from gathering outside homes during the exercise.
• The drills coincided with recent military operations by India targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under ‘Operation Sindoor.’

Indian Opinion analysis

This resurgence of nationwide civil defence preparedness drills underscores India’s proactive stance on internal security amid heightened tensions stemming from recent cross-border conflicts such as Operation Sindoor. Mock exercises like ‘Operation Abhyaas’ aim not only to test civilian readiness but also act as psychological reinforcements of national resilience during sensitive times. For residents, repeated blackouts may highlight the need for better communication channels between authorities and citizens so that critical instructions are followed without instigating panic or misinformation.

amritsar’s participation in multiple phases of these drills reflects both its geographic importance near international borders and its cultural prominence as home to key landmarks like the Golden Temple-the necessity for secure preparedness in such areas remains paramount due to their symbolic value and proximity risks.

Read More