New Delhi, May 9: In the light of the danger of the current security environment and hostile attacks, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has urged all states and Center areas (UTS) to increase civil defense measures under the Civil Defense Act and 1968 rules.
Highlighting Section 11 of the Civil Defense Rules, 1968, the Ministry reminded in a letter called “the growth of civil security measures in the states” that the state governments have been sustained to take all necessary action for the safety of people and property and to ensure uninterrupted work of important services during an hostile attack.
In the letter issued, considering the attacks of the previous night by Pakistani forces in Jammu and Jaisalmer regions, the provision also authorizes the use of local authority’s funds for emergency measures, giving them predecessors on other financial obligations.
In communication, the Ministry has requested that “the state and UTS call for Section 11 and provide emergency purchase powers to their respective directors of civil defense.” This step is aimed at enabling fast and efficient implementation of precautionary and protective measures.
“In the scenario of the current hostile attack, I would like to draw your kind attention to Section 11 of the Civil Defense Rules, 1968, which empowers the inter-market to the state governments, to take such measures, which is necessary for the safety of individuals and property in the state government’s opinion, which is necessary for hostile services, which are working as local authorities, and all other authorities, and all other authorities are required. Priority will be given for such compliance on duties and obligations, ”reads the letter.
“I would be grateful, if Section 11, 1968 of CD rules, emergency procurement powers required to protect your state and UT can be applied to the efficient implementation of necessary precautionary measures.”
Officials emphasized that timely action and preparation at the state and local level is necessary to reduce the effect.
Call to strengthen civil defense measures follows a serious security incident along the India-Pakistan border as on Thursday night Pakistan launched a series of coordinated drones and missile attacks along the western border of India, targeting areas in Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan. According to Indian defense officials, the attacks were largely intercepted by the air defense systems of India, including the S -400 missile defense system, which prevents significant damage.
These attacks were allegedly in vengeance of India’s Operation Sindoor, which was allegedly carried out earlier this week, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan after a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir, killing 26 tourists on 22 April. Due to the growing conflict between the two atomic-hearted neighbors, the tension between each other had increased.
The situation is unstable, with international calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent moving forward. (Agencies)