In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed an all-party meeting that over 100 terrorists were killed in India's military response, codenamed "Operation Sindoor". The operation, executed by the Indian armed forces, involved precision missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The all-party meeting was convened to brief political leaders on Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the April 22nd terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The strikes, carried out early Wednesday morning, targeted strongholds of terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Sources indicated that in addition to the fatalities, over 60 terrorists were wounded, significantly degrading the operational capabilities of these outfits. JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar reportedly claimed that 10 members of his family and four of his aides were among those killed in the strikes.
The Indian military action was a synchronized 25-minute strike utilizing precision weapons, including SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs. The targeted locations included headquarters and training camps of terrorist groups. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Army stated that the targets were selected based on "credible intelligence and their involvement in cross-border terrorism". Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Air Force added that the Indian military is prepared to respond in case of any retaliation from the Pakistani military.
The government's briefing to the all-party meeting included Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, S. Jaishankar, J.P. Nadda, and Nirmala Sitharaman. Opposition leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge from the Congress, Sandip Bandyopadhyay of the TMC, and T.R. Baalu from DMK were also present. Rahul Gandhi conveyed his support after the meeting, stating that everyone had shown maturity and hailed the armed forces for Operation Sindoor.
The strikes have triggered responses from both sides of the border. Pakistan has claimed that its military retaliated and shot down multiple Indian military planes. They also reported casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. India, however, has maintained that its strikes were focused on terrorist infrastructure and avoided targeting Pakistani military establishments to minimize civilian casualties.
In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, security measures have been heightened in India. Rajasthan has sealed its border with Pakistan, and the Punjab Police have cancelled leaves for its officers. Mock drills to test civilian defense are being conducted across the nation.
The international community has also reacted to the escalating tensions. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has supported India's right to act against terrorism, asserting that no country should be forced to accept terrorist attacks from another nation's controlled territory.
Operation Sindoor is viewed as a strong message to the world about the government's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Home Minister Amit Shah stated that an appropriate response was given to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, sending a strong message to the world. The operation targeted and destroyed terrorist training camps, weapon bases, and hideouts of organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
