New Delhi: Almost a fortnight after the Pahalgam massacre, the terrorists who shot down 26 innocent civilians are still on the run. Even as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is pulling out all stops to hunt down the culprits and their handlers, the Narendra Modi-led Central government is mulling a befitting reply to Pakistan, which has been accused of cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan is on the edge, fearing an Indian attack, but has been issuing warnings of a strong response if required.
Like India, Pakistan has nuclear weapons, and hence Modi’s government has to tread cautiously before deciding on any offensive.
On Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance civil defence preparedness, ANI reported citing government sources.
MHA directed states to operationalise air raid warning sirens and train civilians to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack, according to PTI.
States have also been directed to update and rehearse evacuation plans, crash blackout measures, and camouflaging of vital plants and installations.
The government has announced a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the land border crossing at Attari, downgrading of diplomatic ties and suspension, cancellation of all visas.
But, as Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday, what the country desires will happen under Modi’s leadership.
The Prime Minister has held several high-profile meetings since April 22, including with the chiefs of Army, Air Force and Navy over the last two-three days.
In one of the security meetings recently, Modi said the armed forces have full operational freedom to determine the mode, targets and timing of India’s response to the attack.
That moment may not be far away.
