Centre Orders May 7 Civil Defence Drills, Pakistani Intruder Nabbed, Ayodhya Celebrates Sita Navami

Nationwide Civil Defence Drills

The Ministry of Home Affairs directed states to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7 across 244 districts, amid rising India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The exercises, the first since 1971, will include air raid sirens, civilian training, blackout measures, and evacuation rehearsals to prepare for potential hostile threats. A 30-minute blackout drill in Ferozepur Cantonment on May 4 set the stage, with lights off and vehicles darkened to simulate crisis conditions. The directive, issued to chief secretaries, aims to mobilize over four lakh volunteers, including NCC and NYKS members, to enhance national preparedness.

Pakistani Intruder Apprehended
On the same day, security forces arrested a Pakistani intruder in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch sector near the Line of Control, intensifying concerns amid 11 nights of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops. The intruder, whose identity and motives are under investigation, was detained during heightened surveillance prompted by the Pahalgam attack, linked to Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba. The incident follows India’s diplomatic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari border, as Pakistan’s actions—such as missile tests and LoC firing—fuel fears of escalation. Authorities are probing whether the intrusion was an intelligence-gathering attempt, with the Indian Army on high alert.

Sita Navami Fervor in Ayodhya
In a contrasting scene, Ayodhya radiated spiritual vibrancy on May 6, 2025, as thousands celebrated Sita Navami, honoring Goddess Sita’s birth. Devotees thronged the newly consecrated Ram Temple, where special prayers, bhajans, and a grand aarti marked the occasion. The festival, falling on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha in Vaishakha, saw elaborate rituals, with priests offering flowers and sweets. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended, emphasizing Sita’s virtues of devotion and resilience, urging unity amid national challenges. The celebrations highlighted Ayodhya’s growing prominence as a spiritual hub post the temple’s 2024 inauguration.

Balancing Security and Spirituality
The convergence of these events underscores India’s dual focus: fortifying security while embracing cultural heritage. As civil defence drills prepare citizens for external threats and the intruder’s arrest signals vigilance, Sita Navami’s fervor reflects resilience. The government’s multi-pronged approach, backed by all-party support, aims to counter terrorism while fostering unity through shared traditions, with Ayodhya’s celebrations offering a moment of solace.