New Delhi: Amid the rising escalation between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of Home Affairs on May 9 asked all states and Union Territories to invoke civil defence measures under the Civil Defence Act and Rules of 1968. As Pakistan continues to attack India’s borders and target common people in our country, there is an increasing call to reinforce civil defence preparedness.
A letter from Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah read, “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 further said, “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.”
As per reports, Amit Shah also chaired a meeting in which the director generals of BSF, BCAS, CISF, IB director and home secretary also took part to review security along the border with Pakistan and airports. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that the denial by Pakistan on its attacks on India suggests their duplicity.
Addressing a press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Pakistan also tried to mislead the world by trying to prove that India tried to attack its cities, as nothing but their fantasy. “The provocative action by Pakistan, they tried to target Indian cities and civilian infrastructure apart from military targets with missiles and drones last night. While the armed forces respond swiftly and fail in their attempts, Pakistan’s denial of the same is yet another example of their duplicity,” he said.
