New Delhi: In a swift and decisive response to the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians — most of them tourists — the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a rare and massive joint counter-terrorism offensive involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The coordinated operation, which commenced just 48 hours after the Pahalgam massacre, marks one of India’s most integrated and high-intensity military responses in recent years.
The attack, which occurred on May 4 in the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, targeted buses carrying domestic tourists, including families and children. Eyewitnesses reported indiscriminate firing and grenade attacks, resulting in 26 fatalities and over 40 injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as a “cowardly and barbaric act meant to destabilize peace in the Valley.” National flags across government buildings flew at half-mast on Monday in honour of the victims.
Named symbolically after the red of sacrifice and courage, Operation Sindoor was launched jointly by:
Indian Army’s Northern Command,
Indian Air Force’s Garud Commandos, and
Marine Commandos (MARCOS) of the Indian Navy.
Sources from the Ministry of Defence confirmed that high-altitude drone surveillance, precision air strikes, and ground-level surgical actions have been underway in South Kashmir’s Anantnag and Kulgam districts, suspected to be the launch pads of the attackers.
This operation is the first major tri-services tactical mission in Kashmir since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. It demonstrates the Indian Armed Forces’ evolving doctrine of jointness and inter-operability, crucial in combating modern hybrid warfare and cross-border terrorism.
Senior military officials stated that the operation was “not a symbolic retaliation, but a long-term offensive” designed to neutralize high-value targets, dismantle sleeper cells, and disrupt cross-border infiltration routes.
The United Nations, United States, and several other nations have condemned the Pahalgam attack, extending support to India. The U.S. State Department offered assistance in counter-terror intelligence, while Israel reaffirmed its solidarity with India against terrorism.
Meanwhile, in the affected areas, a 72-hour curfew has been imposed, and over 500 civilians have been evacuated to safe zones by the Army and J&K police. Mobile networks remain suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Home Minister Amit Shah, in an emergency briefing, declared, “We will not rest until every hand behind this massacre is brought to justice. Operation Sindoor is only the beginning.”
As Operation Sindoor unfolds, the nation watches closely. Experts say that the success of this joint response could become a template for future counter-terror operations.
The nation grieves its lost citizens but stands united behind its forces.
