With a ‘civil defence’ mock drill launched across border states of India and occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, panic has gripped the residents of Poonch district in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom have fled the town fearing a repeat of the May 7 episode—the same day a similar drill had been planned by India.According to Kashmir Media Service, locals say they have lost trust in mock drills and are unwilling to take chances with their lives this time. 

Following the May 7 drill and ensuing incidents, many residents had fled to Jammu and other safer areas. Now, with another mock drill underway, several families from different parts of Poonch have once again chosen to evacuate. Mohammad Tariq, a resident of Sukha Khatta in Poonch town, confirmed that some people have already left the area.Gurdeep Singh, a resident of Syndicate Chowk, recalled the trauma of earlier this month. “We are scared something similar might happen again.

There was a mock drill last time too, and then people died. That’s why many locals are leaving again,” he said. The drill is being organised by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. It aims to simulate critical wartime scenarios such as air raids, drone attacks, and other emergency situations, an official said. It is worth mentioning here that the drill code named Operation Shield was later postponed.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)