Civil Defence personnel take part in a drill conducted as a part of the nationwide civil defence exercise, in Jabalpur, on May 7, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) reviewed civil defence mock drills being conducted in five districts across the State, including the capital Bhopal, amid the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan.

Holding a meeting with senior State officials and the Collectors of the five districts, Mr. Yadav directed the administration to remain on alert. The drills were conducted after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, involving late-night air strikes at nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that claimed 26 civilian lives.

“Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav today reviewed the mock drill conducted under Civil Defence in five districts of the State from the situation room at the Secretariat and directed all the Collectors to remain alert, vigilant and cautious and also make the common citizens aware and alert,” the Chief Minister’s Office posted on X.

The other four districts where mock drills are being held, as per the directions of the Union Home Ministry, are Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Katni. The drills were conducted from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., after which a blackout was also observed.

As part of the drills, rehearsals for emergency rescue and evacuation, siren alarms, medical assistance, and fire drills were conducted by personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF), and local police at various schools, colleges, shopping malls, among other public places and important establishments.

In photos: States conduct mock drills in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack

Meanwhile, leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Opposition Congress joined in praising the Armed Forces for the action against the alleged terrorist infrastructure.

Mr. Yadav, in a statement, said that the move showed the “strength of the 56-inch chest”, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and that “whatever he says, he makes it happen”.

“Our army too is powerful like Maa Jagadamba and Navadurga, capable of complete destruction of enemies. The Indian Army has given a befitting reply by targeting 9 terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. The entire nation is proud of this. The name ‘Operation Sindoor’ itself makes it clear—those who dare to touch the sindoor (vermilion) or cast evil eyes on it have been answered by the Indian Army,” Mr. Yadav said, adding that the State Government firmly stood with the Centre.

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari said that there was a “atmosphere of delight” in the country and the entire nation was united.

“There is an atmosphere of joy across the country. The action the Armed Forces have taken is completely valid. Wherever the seeds of terrorism are found, the Forces will act at those places. It should be done. The entire nation is united and with the government,” he said.

The State Congress also suspended until further notice all its upcoming programmes, including the ‘Samvidhan Bachao (Save Constitution)’ campaign, in view of the current situation, a party statement said.