SRINAGAR, June 8: With fear of war constantly on the minds of Kashmiris, the government of the Indian-held state is recommending ways they can survive an air raid. The best bet: heading to a cinema hall.

The government here swung into action only on Saturday to instruct Kashmiris how to live through an air strike.

In posters plastered around Srinagar, the held state’s directorate of civil defence has launched an education drive on “safety precautions” during air raids. Interestingly, the signs view cinemas as the best place to be.

“When in cinema hall, remain seated and keep calm. You are safer there than anywhere else,” says one of the posters printed in English. There may be another reason why the government views cinemas as safe: They are already under tight security.

In 1990, shortly after the freedom movement against Indian rule in occupied Kashmir gathered steam, guerillas forced the closure of Srinagar’s cinemas, along with liquor shops and beauty parlours.

Another precaution for Kashmiris: “On hearing the air raid warning do not run for cover if there is no time. Lie flat on the ground with your face downward. Keep your chest slightly above the ground and rest on your elbows.”

“Plug your ears with cotton and if cotton is not available plug them with the corner of a turban,” a poster advises. “Place a rolled-up handkerchief between your teeth to keep the mouth open and not to be affected by the earth shock, which may cut your tongue.”

For those who are outside their houses during air raids, the advice is not to look up.

“Splinters and debris fly outward and upward and therefore roll yourself into a gutter or a fold in the ground: you are safer there.”

The poster says walls and doorways can be good protection so residents should “go stand near them”.

But it warns: “Do not lean directly against the wall.”

“Inside (a building) it is better to be nearer an inside wall than an outside wall,” the poster continues.

Another place to watch out for is windows.

“Remember the extreme danger of flying glass. The safest part of the house would be away from the windows and in the angle of a wall.” Those unlucky enough to be on a train during a raid should switch off their lights.

“Crawl under the seats and do not look out of the windows,” the poster says.

“When in a bus, stop it, leave it and go out.”

Cars are also to be avoided. If driving during an air raid, motorists should get out — but keep their engines running.

“If you are a casuality the car can be driven by someone else,” the poster says.—AFP