Baramulla, May 17 (KNO): Director Civil Defence and SDRF, Imtiyaz Hussain Mir on Saturday said the continuing threat posed by neighbuouring country’s disruptive actions left Jammu and Kashmir vulnerable to recurring instability.
Speaking during an awareness-cum-interaction programme at Dak Bungalow, Hussain, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) emphasised the importance of public readiness, particularly in a region like Jammu and Kashmir that has historically borne the brunt of cross-border hostilities.
"For decades, Jammu and Kashmir has faced the challenges of terrorism originating from across the border. While we hope that peace prevails and war never occurs, we must remain prepared for any adversity," he said.
The director urged attendees to enroll in the department’s five-day basic training programme designed to equip citizens with life-saving skills during emergencies. “We should not wait for war-like situations to arise. Preparedness must begin now,” he said, while encouraging the audience to motivate others to join the civil defence as volunteers.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal that “every 1 in 1,000 citizens should be part of civil defence”, Hussain said, “Everyone can join. This is not limited to any age or profession. It is a people’s movement to safeguard our own communities".
He stressed that awareness should not begin when tensions escalate, but must be cultivated continuously. “Let us not wait for a war-like situation to start preparing. Proactive awareness and training are key,” he asserted.
The director expressed hope that such dire situations do not recur, thanked participants for their involvement and willingness to contribute to civil preparedness.
Meanwhile, talking to media persons, the Director said, "In recent days, we have seen the brutal killing of innocent tourists in Pahalgam, which led to nationwide outrage and subsequent retaliation by our forces. This was followed by escalated aggression from across the border, pushing us into a situation that resembles the brink of war".
Hussain added that during such times, while the armed forces and security agencies defend the country on the borders, civil defence becomes the backbone of internal safety. "The job of civil defence is to protect and guide the civilian population—how to respond during air raids, how to ensure personal safety, and how to protect life and property," he added.
The Director SDRF also stressed the importance of organised evacuation, coordination with ambulances, and assistance to civil and army authorities during crises. "We must ensure minimum loss of life and infrastructure. For that, trained civil defence volunteers are crucial," he said—(KNO)