NEW DELHI — Just hours after India’s cross-border strikes inside Pakistan, the Indian government instructed several key states to prepare for a possible Pakistani response.
According to the Indian Express, Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level security review via video conference on Wednesday afternoon. Participants included the Lieutenant Governors of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, and a representative from Sikkim.
“All states should implement the guidelines laid out for the emergency drill. Arrangements must be made to ensure essential services—such as hospitals, fire services, and the supply of critical goods—continue to function smoothly,” Shah said in an official statement.
He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance against anti-national propaganda, especially on social media and other platforms. “Prompt action should be taken in coordination with state authorities and central agencies. It’s crucial to maintain clear lines of communication and strengthen security at vulnerable points,” he added. Shah also urged the states to prevent unnecessary panic among the public.
The home minister directed states to place disaster response forces, civil defence units, Home Guards, and National Cadet Corps (NCC) on alert. He called for active public participation through citizens and NGOs and stressed the importance of close coordination between local administrations, the army, and paramilitary forces. Senior home ministry officials, including the Union Home Secretary, Intelligence Bureau director, and the heads of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), also attended the meeting.
“All paramilitary leaders were instructed to reinforce border outposts, especially on key routes, to prevent infiltration,” an official said. He added that force commanders reported recalling personnel from leave and preparing all units for any potential emergency.
Another official confirmed that the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has been tasked with enhancing security along India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
