India-Pakistan Ceasefire: A Look Back At How Women Prepared Their Households For War And Blackouts In 1965 And 1971

During the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, women in India, like those in Bhuj, played a crucial role by serving as Home Guards, offering reassurance to civilians during blackouts and ensuring a sense of normalcy amidst the conflict. 
Women’s Role During India-Pakistani War of 1971
Women’s Role During India-Pakistani War of 1971

India-Pakistan Ceasefire: On May 10, 2025, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following US-mediated talks, with President Donald Trump announcing that both nations had committed to a “full and immediate” cessation of hostilities. However, hours after the understanding was reached, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Pakistan had already begun violating the agreement.

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. Congratulations to both countries on using common sense and great intelligence.”

In a late-night press briefing press conference, Vikram Misri said, “For the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan. This is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today. The armed forces are giving an adequate and appropriate response to these violations and we take very, very serious note of these violations.” He also urged Pakistan to act with ‘seriousness and responsibility’.

Pahalgam Attack 2025

On April 22, 2025, tragedy struck the scenic town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir when a few armed militants opened fire on a group of tourists turning a peaceful day into a horrifying day of violence.

The attack claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. Most of the victims were Hindu tourists who had travelled to visit this place with their partners and families. Among those killed were also a Christian tourist and a local Muslim resident who happened to be at the spot during the attack. Families were enjoying the calm surroundings when suddenly gunshots rang out. Panic followed, with people trying to run for cover, unaware of where the bullets were coming from.

In response, the “Indian Armed Forces launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed”, according to the Press Information Bureau. It commenced in the hours of May 7, 2025, against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Women’s Role During India-Pakistani War of 1971

In the backdrop of such recurring tensions, stories from the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars provide a powerful reminder of how civilians, especially women who stepped up during times of national crisis.

Women Home Guards in Bhuj, Gujarat, played a remarkable role during the 1971 war. The town had faced heavy bombardment, with 17 bombs dropped in a single day. With total blackouts enforced to protect against air raids, women like Jyotiben Upadhyay patrolled the streets in groups.

In an interview with ANI, Jyotiben Upadhyay, “I had joined the Home Guard services in 1971. When the war had started, Pakistan had thrown 17 bombs on Bhuj in a single day...there was a blackout in Bhuj, we all used to go in the streets together and comfort the people who were scared of the situation. Today, the same situation is arising again; terrorists have again attacked Kashmir. Innocent civilians were killed. There is an atmosphere of war on the borders. We women will have to gather courage and be alert again. We will have to teach other women today what we learnt during that time...Even if they call us today for any desk job, I am ready to serve again…”

Another former Home Guard, Jyoti Kothari (who served as a Home Guard during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War), shared an interview with ANI on how they were trained in weapon use and emergency response. She said, “We were trained extensively on how to use weapons...It was tough for women to even step out of the house, and we felt proud while wearing the Home Guard Uniform...I urge women to step up for the country, as the situation has worsened...We discussed with the whole team that as the situation has worsened, we should also do something (for the nation)...”

Today, both women say they’re still ready to serve the country, even if in desk roles. Their sense of duty echoes across generations.

How Civilians Prepared Themselves During Wartime

During the 1971 drill, civilians were trained in civil defence drills to tackle possible air raids and blackouts. Following earlier attacks on Indian bases like Ambala, Pathankot, and Agra during the 1965 war, communities were taught how to dig trenches, locate safe zones, and even take cover in L-shaped pits dug near their homes.

How Civilians Prepared Themselves During Wartime

Veteran journalist M R Narayan Swamy recalls that in Delhi’s Netaji Nagar, trenches were dug outside government flats to protect families from potential Pakistani air strikes, according to an NDTV report.

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Civil Defence and Community Safety Measures

A document by the Directorate General Civil Defence, published in 2003, based on earlier war protocols, outlines how civilians were expected to manage during wartime. These included:

  • Ensuring clean and safe water, even during supply cuts.

  • Mass inoculations to prevent disease outbreaks.

  • Proper food inspection in emergency kitchens.

  • Covering vehicle headlights with brown paper to maintain blackout regulations.

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These were not just precautionary, but they were vital, especially in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, which were high on Pakistan’s radar due to their strategic importance.

As ceasefire violations continue, the past reminds us of the strength and resilience of Indian civilians, especially women. From patrolling streets to managing homes in the darkness, they played an unseen but crucial role in national defence.


For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.

Image credit: Twitter and Freepik

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