India states ordered to brace for potential Pakistani retaliation

With expectations of a strong military retaliation from Pakistan following India’s cross-border airstrike, Indian authorities issued orders for several states to prepare for a potential response.

Pakistan had witnessed cowardly Indian aggression on Wednesday night, with air strikes at six places in Pakistan's Punjab, including mosques in Bahawalpur and Muridke that were destroyed in multiple attacks. 

In retaliation, Pakistan shot down at least five Indian jets, and several drones were shot down since the beginning of the unprovoked Indian military offensive. 

Read: Indian drones shot down in Lahore, Chakwal, Gurjanwala and Ghotki

India launched a new series of drone attacks against Pakistan during the night of May 7–8, with several UAVs crashing in Lahore, Chakwal, Ghotki, and Gujranwala.

Anticipating a strong reaction from Pakistan, authorities urged sensitive states in the western to eastern regions to brace for any possible counteraction.

A virtual conference chaired by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday afternoon reviewed the security situation. 

The meeting was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal, and other representatives. 

According to The Indian Express, Home Minister Shah said, "All states should make their preparations as per the guidelines issued for the mock drill. Arrangements should be made for the smooth operation of essential services like hospitals, fire brigades, etc., and an uninterrupted supply of essential goods should be ensured." 

The representatives were also directed to be vigilant against anti-national propaganda on social media by unwanted elements and take action against those in coordination with state governments and central agencies.

They were instructed to make every effort to maintain seamless communication and further strengthen the security of vulnerable points.

Read: 31 civilians martyred, 57 injured in Indian strikes: DG ISPR

In the security review meeting, the Home Ministry urged states to put disaster response forces, civil defence, and other units on high alert. The meeting emphasised the importance of public participation and inter-agency coordination to ensure effective disaster management and security.

To protect residential areas, all senior officials of paramilitary forces were asked to strengthen border outposts to cover possible infiltration inside the country. 

Amit Shah also ordered the cancellation of leaves for all DGs and personnel and directed them to make satisfactory plans and arrangements to handle potential contingencies.