Civic defence drills bring back memories of sirens, silence, bunkers from 1971 war to border residents

Over 50 years have passed since the 1971 India-Pakistan war, but its memories remain fresh in the residents along border villages of Rajasthan.

- Mukesh Mathrani

BARMER: Over 50 years have passed since the 1971 India-Pakistan war, but its memories remain fresh in the residents along border villages of Rajasthan. With the states conducting civic defence drills like during the previous war, many citizens in border villages near Barmer remember building bunkers and going into hiding when the war sirens were previously sounded.

"During the 1971 India-Pakistan war, we built bunkers and supported the army. We used to go on reconnaissance missions and inform the army of any movements on the Pakistani side. If a war breaks out today, Pakistan will not last more than four days," the residents said.

"Back then, Pakistan dropped 16 bombs, but none exploded. It was all due to the blessings of Goddess Hinglaj. The army had instructed that a long siren meant we had to take cover, while a short siren meant no immediate danger. If the army needs us again, we are ready to help in every possible way," they added.

Shanti Devi, a resident of the remote Gadra Road village, recalled how villagers tried to survive during the 1971 war. "We cooked dinner during the day. At night, not a single fire was lit. Windows were sealed with mud so that not even the tiniest light could escape. Even the flame from the cooking fire was covered."