Kolasib Deputy Commissioner Convenes Meeting to Discuss Civil Defence Action Plan Amidst National Security Concerns

Kolasib : An important meeting was convened today at the Kolasib Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall to discuss the Civil Defence Action Plan in response to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The meeting was chaired by Shri Robert C. Lalhmangaiha, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kolasib.

In his opening address, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the significance of the meeting, stressing that the preparation of a District Civil Defence Action Plan is a high priority for both the Government of India and the State Government. He noted that Kolasib is considered the second-most critical district in the state after the capital, Aizawl. He further informed the attendees that following a high-level meeting convened by the Chief Secretary, all districts have been instructed to submit their achievement reports, and Kolasib has already proactively submitted its list of critical infrastructure priorities.

The DC underlined the need for strong cooperation among all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and government departments. While the border tensions may seem distant geographically, he asserted that constant alertness is essential. “National priority is state priority, and therefore also a district priority,” he said. He appealed for unified efforts during these challenging times and specifically urged the public to refrain from sharing information about troop movements on social media platforms. He reiterated that this is a collective responsibility and a fundamental duty of every Indian citizen to follow government directives and support national security efforts.

Shri David H. Lalthangliana, Superintendent of Police (SP), Kolasib, also addressed the gathering and reiterated the importance of implementing the Civil Defence Action Plan. He highlighted that the Civil Defence Act of 1968 mandates enforcement under the current circumstances. “Though our district may appear peaceful, the future is uncertain. Therefore, preparedness is vital at all times,” the SP said. He also called for civilian cooperation in supporting police efforts to maintain safety and order.

Key decisions and outcomes of the meeting include:

• Establishment of Control Rooms:
  A District Control Room will be established at the District Emergency Operation Centre (DM&R branch) within the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. All police stations will serve as subsidiary control rooms, acting as information hubs and helplines for the public.
• Preparation of Civil Defence Action Plan:
  The Deputy Commissioner’s Office will be responsible for drafting the comprehensive action plan. All relevant government departments are required to submit necessary inputs to aid in its formulation.
• Vehicle Inventory for Emergency Use:
  The District Transport Officer (DTO), Kolasib, has been directed to prepare and submit a comprehensive list of all registered vehicles under the district’s jurisdiction, with a focus on identifying those suitable for deployment in rescue and relief operations.
• Scheduled Mock Drill:
  A mock air raid drill will be conducted in Kolasib and Vairengte on Monday night as per the following schedule:
  • Siren will sound at 8:59 PM.
  • All lights, including those powered by inverters and solar lamps, must be switched off.
  • Vehicular movement will be halted during the drill.
  • The drill will commence at 9:00 PM and conclude at 9:04 PM.
  • Village Councils and local NGOs are requested to help disseminate this information and ensure full public compliance.
  • The Police Department will manage traffic and enforce drill procedures.

The meeting was attended by a distinguished group of officials and community leaders, including the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner, representatives from the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJW), Vairengte, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Railways, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO), Mizofed, heads of various departments in Kolasib, as well as Village Council members, NGOs, and church leaders.

The administration reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and called for the full cooperation of the public in these vital preparedness measures.