Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and Union territories to activate civil defence measures under the Civil Defence Act and Rules of 1968 amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This move follows a significant security incident along the India-Pakistan border, prompting calls for reinforced civil defence preparedness.
The Ministry has written to The chief secretaries of all States and Union Territories.
“In the current hostile attack scenario, I would like to draw your kind attention towards Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, which inter-alia empowers he State Governments, to take such measures, which in the opinion of the state government necessary for the protection of persons and property from injury or damage, or for ensuring the due maintenance of the vital services, in the event of hostile attack,” the letter read.
“I shall be grateful, if Section 11 of the CD Rules, 1968, can be invoked and necessary Emergency Procurement Powers to the Director Civil Defence of your state and UT, may be granted so that efficient implementation of the necessary precautionary measures can be implemented,” it added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting with top security officials, including the Director Generals of BSF, CISF, BCAS, Home Secretary, and IB Director, to review security measures along the Pakistan border and at airports.
The meeting comes after Pakistan launched coordinated drone and missile strikes targeting areas in Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan. Indian defence officials confirmed that most incoming threats were successfully intercepted by the country’s air defence systems.
