Chandigarh: In a powerful show of unity and patriotism, thousands of young citizens from Chandigarh responded to a local government call for Civil Defence Volunteers amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The mass mobilization, triggered by a public appeal from the Chandigarh Administration, saw long queues and emotionally charged scenes at the Tagore Theatre, where volunteers gathered to register their willingness to serve the nation during times of emergency.
The call for volunteers came in the wake of heightened cross-border hostilities following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In the days since, Islamabad has launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting Chandigarh and other Indian states – all of which were successfully neutralized by India’s Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems.
The Chandigarh Administration, led by the Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, an IAS officer of 2013 batch from Haryana cadre, had issued an open appeal via social media platform X, calling upon youth aged 18 and above to register as Civil Defence Volunteers. The message, “Serve the Nation. Be Prepared,” quickly went viral, sparking an overwhelming response from the public.
— Chandigarh Admn (@chandigarh_admn) May 10, 2025
A Groundswell of Patriotism
Chants of “Pakistan Murdabad” echoed through the crowds as thousands gathered, turning the event into more than just a civil defence enrollment drive – it became a public demonstration of collective resilience and national pride.
Muskan, a young local from Chandigarh, said, “We are here to support the Army. They are doing so much for us, and we also want to do something for them.”
Another volunteer, Karan Chopra, echoed the sentiment, stating, “I am ready to give my life for India. We have filed the form; we are ready to do whatever is expected from us.”
#WATCH | Huge lines seen in Chandigarh when local announcements were made for volunteers to aid in the assistance. pic.twitter.com/Q7YXWRg50J
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2025
The turnout was so large that even early morning hours saw massive queues, with Tagore Theatre nearly overwhelmed by the enthusiastic crowds. Parambir Singh, another city resident, said: “We are here to provide our services to the nation. We have filled the form and are waiting eagerly to be called.”
Sanjana Arora, also among the volunteers, emphasized the emotional and symbolic importance of the initiative: “We all want to help our Army and respond to Pakistan’s continued provocations. This government’s firm stance has truly inspired us to step up. With this kind of unity, no one in the world can question the spirit of our country.”
#WATCH | Chandigarh | A local, Karan Chopra says, "I am ready to give my life for India. We have filed the form; we are ready to do whatever is expected from us…" https://t.co/R2UFYsSnlS pic.twitter.com/F56HiPBqRS
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2025
Operation Sindoor and India’s Retaliation
Amid these civilian efforts, the Indian government has also stepped up military action. Speaking on Operation Sindoor, Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi confirmed that precision air strikes were conducted on multiple Pakistani military installations, including bases in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian. Radar sites in Pasrur and Sialkot were also targeted using air-launched weapon systems.
The retaliation came swiftly after Pakistan’s aggressive use of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), long-range missiles, and loitering munitions to strike at over two dozen locations within Indian territory on Saturday.
#WATCH | Muskan from Chandigarh says, "We are here to support an Army. They are doing so much for us, and we also want to do something for our Army." https://t.co/GCzKaD5RhF pic.twitter.com/1KGdRFoOWP
— ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2025
A City – and a Nation – Mobilized
As intermittent firing continues along the Line of Control (LoC), the people of Chandigarh have emerged as a shining example of civilian readiness in times of crisis. From housewives to college students and working professionals, the city has united behind the call to duty.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is reportedly coordinating with UT officials to ensure proper training, deployment, and emergency response strategies for the newly enrolled Civil Defence Volunteers.
With this extraordinary public response, Chandigarh stands not just as a city prepared for emergencies—but as a symbol of national solidarity, courage, and unwavering spirit.
