“These drills are not mere theatre. They are a wake-up call. Those were the days of alienation and radio silence. Today, information and coordination are instant.”
Hyderabad: From waiting for updates on the radio to receiving instant alerts on WhatsApp and Twitter, India’s experience of conflict has transformed dramatically, with communication emerging as a defining factor in defence preparedness, war veterans said on Wednesday. As mock drills were held at four key locations in Hyderabad, the veterans emphasised that the country was entering a new phase of readiness that civilians must take seriously.
Recalling his service during the peak of insurgency in Kashmir from 1988 to 1995, Major Shiva Kiran (retd) described the shift in preparedness as revolutionary. “We relied on physical maps, convoys moved without satellite tracking and communication was minimal. Today, we’re witnessing coordinated, technology-led responses involving civil defence, police, fire services and the armed forces working together seamlessly,” he explained.
“These drills are not mere theatre. They are a wake-up call. Those were the days of alienation and radio silence. Today, information and coordination are instant,” he added.
Col. Merugu Solomon Saneev (retd) of the 6 Lancers, who served in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan during Op Parakram, Assam and Nagaland, said, “My experiences taught me the value of training and preparation. With Operation Sindoor, the government has responded in a mature and calibrated manner. By conducting these drills, we are training civilians to protect themselves, take cover and not panic.”
He cautioned against the spread of misinformation on social media. “This is a time for the public to stay alert, not scared. Avoid falling for fake news or videos. Trust verified news sources like newspapers and TV. Don’t share half-baked information about the armed forces. Every initiative may not bring back the lives lost, but it sends a strong message to deter future terrorist acts,” he said.
Col. V. Mahadevan (retd), who served during the 1970s, highlighted the importance of communication. “Back then, we depended on newspapers and the radio. There were no mobile phones, no digital alerts — we barely spoke to neighbours except by shouting across walls. Today, news travels in seconds via WhatsApp and Instagram. It’s not terrible, it’s terrific. Instant communication can save lives.”
Col. Manoj Pathak (retd), a Jammu & Kashmir and Assam veteran, said, “I wasn’t deployed in Kargil directly, but during the mobilisation of northeast forces, a ceasefire was declared, and we returned. Today’s mock drills are essential. With so many vital installations in Hyderabad, citizens must know what to do—whether it’s using blackout curtains, keeping torches, or evacuating high-rises.”
