JAMMU, August 12, 2026 : A joint anti-fidayeen security mock drill was conducted at the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra on Wednesday to assess the preparedness, coordination and rapid-response capabilities of security and emergency agencies ahead of Independence Day.
The exercise was supervised by the Superintendent of Police and jointly conducted by Reasi district police, the Special Operations Group (SOG), CRPF and an Army Medium Regiment.
Health services and Fire and Emergency Services also participated in the coordinated exercise.
Terror Scenario Simulated
The drill simulated a terror-related security contingency at the shrine’s base camp, with participating agencies testing their response to a potential security threat.
The exercise assessed several critical response mechanisms, including:
- Immediate mobilisation of security forces
- Swift cordoning and sanitisation of the area
- Neutralisation of the simulated threat
- Safe evacuation of civilians
- Casualty management and medical response
- Fire and emergency response
- Inter-agency coordination and communication
Officials said the exercise was aimed at identifying operational gaps and strengthening coordination among security and emergency-response agencies.
Focus on Preparedness Ahead of Independence Day
The mock drill assumes significance ahead of the August 15 Independence Day celebrations, when security arrangements are traditionally strengthened at major religious, tourist and public locations.
The coordinated exercise at one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations was intended to ensure that security personnel and emergency agencies remain prepared to respond swiftly to any unforeseen situation.
