Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Lok Sabha on Monday during a special discussion on "Operation Sindoor," India's military response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Singh asserted that the operation was halted once its objectives were met and was not influenced by external pressures. He lauded the armed forces for their precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure, emphasizing the operation's success in neutralizing threats and strengthening border security.

The Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 11 Indian soldiers, prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor. According to Singh, the operation targeted nine terrorist infrastructure sites and eliminated over 100 terrorists, trainers, and handlers. The Defence Minister stated that the coordinated strikes were completed within 22 minutes, showcasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the armed forces.

Singh clarified that the objective of Operation Sindoor was not to capture territory or provoke war with Pakistan. Instead, the operation aimed to dismantle the terror nurseries that Pakistan had allegedly nurtured for many years. He stated that India's response was a display of self-defense and was neither provocative nor expansionist.

The Defence Minister detailed the intelligence inputs and military actions taken to prevent further attacks, reaffirming India's commitment to combating cross-border terrorism. He highlighted the coordinated efforts with security forces to ensure stability in the region, addressing concerns raised by Members of Parliament during the session.

The special discussion in the Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between the ruling alliance and the opposition. Opposition members raised concerns about the government's handling of the situation and demanded further clarification on the operation's details. Singh defended the government's national security strategy, emphasizing the need for a united front against terrorism.

Amid the debate, controversy arose when Congress leader P. Chidambaram claimed there was no conclusive evidence linking the Pahalgam attackers to Pakistan. This led to sharp exchanges between the ruling BJP and the opposition, with Singh reiterating the government's firm stance on Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism.

Notably, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor declined to participate in the debate on Operation Sindoor, despite being approached by the party. Sources suggest that Tharoor's stance on Operation Sindoor differs from the party line, as he has publicly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of the situation.

The Lok Sabha is expected to continue the discussion on Operation Sindoor, with senior leaders from both the ruling alliance and the opposition set to participate. The debate is likely to focus on the effectiveness of the operation, its impact on regional security, and the way forward in combating terrorism.