The exercise, named "ARMEX-I 2026", will be carried out across all districts in accordance with directions issued by the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to officials, the drill will involve several agencies, including the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, state police, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Health and Power departments, and the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), along with traditional village institutions and other local bodies.

The exercise will be held in two phases. The first phase, scheduled from 3 pm to 4 pm, will simulate emergency responses such as search and rescue operations, firefighting measures, evacuation procedures and medical assistance.

Officials said a civil defence siren will be sounded at 3 pm to indicate the start of the mock air raid scenario, while another siren at 4 pm will signal the "all clear" and mark the completion of the first phase.

The second phase of the drill will take place between 6:59 pm and 7:02 pm, during which an air raid siren will be followed by a short blackout.

Residents have been requested to switch off lights, inverters and other sources of illumination during this period. The two-minute blackout will end with the "all clear" siren at 7:02 pm, officially concluding the exercise.

Authorities have appealed to citizens and community institutions to cooperate and take part actively in the drill, which is being organised to strengthen civilian readiness and ensure preparedness during emergencies in the interest of national security.

Officials also stated that such civil defence mock drills will be conducted twice every year to raise awareness and improve public preparedness in case of conflict or war-like situations.