For the first time since the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Punjab has found itself bracing for what seemed like the brink of a full-scale conflict. As tensions surged along the border earlier this month, the state plunged into an emergency preparedness mode, reviving memories buried for over five decades.
Sirens that had remained silent since 1971 once again echoed across towns and villages every few hours at night, warning residents of potential aerial threats. With the Indian Air Force closely monitoring the situation, alerts prompted swift blackouts across cities and villages. Markets shut by 7 PM, streets emptied, and homes went dark — a scene reminiscent of wartime readiness.
Dubbed ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a large-scale preparedness exercise gripped the state for three days before a temporary ceasefire paused the operation last Saturday. However, the brief pause has not led to complacency. Instead, it has galvanized a massive wave of civil and military training initiatives aimed at equipping citizens — especially the youth — with essential survival and rescue skills.
A significant part of this response has been the mobilization of over 20,000 NCC (National Cadet Corps) cadets across Punjab. These school and college students are undergoing intensive training in civil defence, disaster response, and wartime protocols. Supported by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the NCC’s regional command, drills include simulated air raids, building collapse scenarios, firefighting, and first-aid.
Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, Director General of NCC, confirmed that Punjab, along with other border states like Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir, is witnessing enhanced “war-level” training for cadets. “This is not just about drills — it’s psychological readiness, survival skills, and national service all rolled into one,” he stated.
The NCC Group Headquarters in Jalandhar alone is coordinating training for 8,000 cadets across 250 institutions in districts such as Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Phagwara. According to Col Vinod Joshi of the 2 Punjab Battalion, cadets are being trained to act independently in crisis situations. “They’re taught how to improvise stretchers using household materials, administer CPR, and evacuate victims without waiting for formal help. Time is critical in an emergency,” he said.
In a notable initiative, the 7th Battalion of SDRF from Bathinda conducted first-aid training at the School of Eminence in Tanda. Assistant Commander Pankaj Sharma led a team that demonstrated life-saving techniques, underscoring the importance of immediate civilian response in emergencies.
Beyond drills and tactical training, officials emphasize that these efforts are also aimed at instilling a sense of patriotism and civic responsibility. Brig Ajay Tewari, NCC Group Commander, revealed that civil defence simulations are now being carried out in over 300 districts across the country. “We are teaching everyone — from school children to college students — how to respond to nuclear, chemical, and biological threats,” he noted.
With over ₹50 crore being invested in emergency response equipment — including ambulances, sirens, and firefighting gear — the infrastructure is being rapidly bolstered. Moreover, local administrative offices across Punjab are witnessing a surge in volunteer applications, particularly among the youth inspired by the drills.
Clad in fluorescent yellow jackets, civil defence teams have become a familiar sight in towns and villages, and their presence has sparked admiration and curiosity. “Many young people now want to join. It’s no longer just training — it’s a movement,” said an official from the Department of Civil Defence.
At a time of heightened uncertainty, the resilience and unity of Punjab’s people have stood out. The state, scarred by history but strengthened by spirit, is once again rising to the challenge — not with fear, but with preparedness and resolve.
