New Delhi, May 06 (V7N) – Amid escalating tensions following the deadly Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, the Indian central government has directed several states to conduct nationwide security drills on Wednesday, according to a report by NDTV.

The move comes just days after Pakistan test-fired its 'Fatah' missile, capable of striking targets up to 120 kilometers away. The missile test was reportedly conducted in the presence of senior Pakistani military officials. On Sunday night, cross-border firing was also reported along the Kashmir Line of Control (LoC), adding to the already tense situation.

Indian officials say the drills, reminiscent of the 1971 wartime preparations, are intended to enhance civil defense readiness in the event of hostile attacks. It marks the first time in over five decades that India is conducting such comprehensive drills on a national scale.

Sources indicate that 17,000 additional BSF personnel will be deployed, with a significant portion assigned to border regions with Pakistan. Meanwhile, in a rare move, a complete blackout was conducted in Punjab's cantonment areas to test emergency response measures.

Amid speculation about India's possible retaliatory steps, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, which lasted over 30 minutes. However, the government has not released any details regarding the outcome of the meeting.

Tensions have remained high since the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack—a charge Islamabad strongly denies.

In response, Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, issued a stern warning, stating that any violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty or territorial integrity would be met with full military force.

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