Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Kashmir, the Bihar Police Headquarters has placed the state on high alert, issuing a directive to all senior officers across the state to step up security measures at sensitive locations and border areas. The directive warned of the possibility that “terrorist outfits, in reaction to nationwide counter-terror operations and national security initiatives”, may attempt violent or destructive acts targeting “political and religious figures, security personnel, sensitive installations, industrial units, railway infrastructure, crowded public places, religious gatherings, and prominent individuals”. Bihar Additional Director General (Law & Order) Pankaj Kumar Darad said, “The move comes as part of a nationwide directive to enhance preparedness against potential threats and to reassure the public safety.” On Monday, the Centre had directed several states and Union Territories to test and strengthen civil defence mechanisms to enhance preparedness for potential wartime scenarios. The Bihar police directive called for close surveillance of individuals and groups with a history of involvement in communal or extremist activities. According to officials, maintaining communal harmony and internal security has been emphasised as a top priority, with special attention to monitoring and countering the spread of rumours and inflammatory content, particularly on social media. The directive asked all district and railway police chiefs across the state to immediately intensify security arrangements at vital railway infrastructure, including major stations, key bridges, and railway lines. “All entry points at important railway stations are to be secured, with mandatory frisking of individuals and inspection of baggage,” it said. It further mandated that unauthorised entry through non-designated routes be strictly prevented, and that patrolling along railway routes be increased. The order also called for heightened vigilance at government and industrial establishments, religious sites, and venues where large crowds are expected. Police units have been told to remain alert to any suspicious activity and to ensure robust access control at these locations. Police have been directed to engage closely with the public, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or objects to the authorities. Mock drills In addition, the Bihar government will be participating in a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday, as per the directive of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police in Patna, Barauni, Katihar, Purnia, and Begusarai have issued public notices informing residents of the planned blackout and emergency preparedness exercise. “This drill is intended to prepare citizens and authorities for potential emergencies by practicing safety measures and rapid response in a controlled environment,” officials said. In Patna, the drill will involve a 10-minute blackout accompanied by air raid sirens at key locations, including the RBI’s Gandhi Maidan office, Patna University, and Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), officials said. Authorities said the exercise aims to simulate wartime conditions such as air raids, and to test evacuation plans, communication systems, and public response. Civil defence wardens, home guards, NCC and NSS volunteers, and students will participate in awareness and training activities. The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority and Civil Defence Directorate are coordinating the drills, which will also be held in other Bihar cities, including Barauni, Katihar, Purnia, and Begusarai.
