India Conducts War-Like Drills Across IIOJK and Border States Amid Rising Tensions

India is conducting large-scale war simulation drills today across IIOJK and five border states — Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh — escalating concerns in the region already fraught with tension.

According to officials from the Civil Defence Directorate, the exercises are designed to simulate wartime conditions, with air raid sirens being activated at multiple locations across Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and other adjoining Indian states. The public has been urged not to panic, as the drills are described as routine safety exercises aimed at testing operational readiness in the face of potential threats.

The mock drills will include:

• Activation of centrally-controlled air raid warning sirens
• Enforcement of blackout protocols in civilian zones
• Mock evacuations from military stations under simulated drone strike scenarios
• Camouflage procedures for critical infrastructure
• Civil defence training for civilians and students

This is the second major round of such drills in less than a month. A similar exercise was conducted on May 7 in 244 districts across Indian border states and union territories.

Observers and political analysts in IIOJK have expressed deep concern, warning that these drills may be part of a broader plan by the Indian government to escalate tensions and create a war-like atmosphere in the region. Many believe the Modi-led administration is using such military theatrics to divert attention from recent military setbacks, particularly Pakistan’s successful defensive response to the Indian airstrike on May 10.

“This is not about preparedness, but about intimidation and cover-up,” one political observer in Srinagar noted. “These drills are meant to signal aggression, not safety.”

India’s continued militarization of IIOJK and surrounding areas has drawn criticism from rights groups and peace advocates, who warn that the region is becoming increasingly volatile, with civilians bearing the brunt of such power projections.