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J&K gearing up for war; air defence notices in Srinagar

Despite the United States and even Pakistan saying that Indo-Pak tensions have reduced, India appears to be taking no chances and air defence notices are being distributed in the valley.

The notices, issued by the Civilian Defence Committee, have a list of guidelines for civilians to follow in case of an air raid.

"Lie down on the ground, hide in a pit or a trench, if possible. If in a vehicle, stop and lie down on the ground. If inside a building, stay in the corner of a room," the leaflet says.

The notices are drawing attention in a big way in Srinagar and is directing conversation towards the possibility of another war.

"I cannot say whether there would be a war. But if going to war, can solve the Kashmir issue, then it is ok. Otherwise, it is better if India and Pakistan go in for a dialogue," Abdul Rahman, an elderly labourer, said.

But war hits our earnings, he said.

"Nobody is constructing a house. So I have no work," he explained.

The authorities have got into action and are regularly testing the sirens installed at important locations in Srinagar.

"We are testing our equipment, but not conducting mock exercises as that would create panic among the people," Ali Mohammed, Deputy Civilian Defense Controller, Srinagar told rediff.com.

"We have to ensure that the public knows what to do in the eventuality of an air raid. The order to distribute the notices has come from the Director General of the state police," he explained.

Mock exercises and blackouts have already been conducted in Jammu region, where the shelling has been intense, displacing thousands, he said.

But people in the valley are not pressing the panic button yet.

"We have a war here every day. Seventy thousand people have already died. Now if there is a big war, whosoever is left will also be killed," says Ismail Rather, a Srinagar resident.

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