Delhi residents recall blackouts during 1971 war with Pakistan amid civil defence drill

NEW DELHI: As the city prepares for a civil defence drill on Wednesday, a few Delhiites recalled what they went through for nearly two weeks during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. To stay safe, they headed home early, meticulously blocked windows and doorways to prevent any indoor light from seeping out, and dined by candlelight.The current drill comes amid the heightened India-Pakistan tension following the April 22 terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Surinder Singh, a 79-year-old resident of Lajpat Nagar III, vividly recounted hearing air raid sirens on Dec 3, 1971, when Pakistan launched surprise aerial attacks on Indian air bases, triggering the war. "At 5.15pm, when the news broke, immediate pandemonium ensued. Residents hastily rushed home for safety. Later that evening, darkness enveloped everything as a complete blackout was enforced. Though the initial adjustment proved challenging, we gradually adapted to these circumstances." Singh, who retired as Delhi Development Authority's chief engineer, said two residential blocks formed groups of youngsters who patrolled the colony at night to ensure nobody switched on lights. "Z-shaped trenches were made in the parks, and we were taught to hide there if any bombarding happened in the area," he recalled, adding that the radio was their only source of information.Charanjit Singh, an 80-year-old resident in the locality, said, "I vividly recall the compulsory morning exercise drills led by civil defence volunteers that young people had to attend before heading to work." Charanjeet, who was then 27, added, "My mother would constantly fret about my safety whenever I went to office. During evenings, she would prepare meals using candlelight, carefully shielded with cardboard to prevent any light from seeping out."