In a decisive military response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, India executed “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of May 7. The operation, commencing at 1:44 AM IST, aimed to dismantle infrastructures linked to militant groups responsible for the April 22 massacre that claimed 28 lives, predominantly Indian tourists.
Background: The Pahalgam Attack
On April 22, five heavily armed militants launched a brutal assault in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, targeting non-Muslim tourists. The assailants, equipped with AK-47s and M4 carbines, executed 28 civilians, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali tourist. Witnesses reported that the attackers segregated victims based on religion before opening fire. The Resistance Front (TRF), initially claimed responsibility but later retracted, while investigations pointed towards Lashkar-e-Taiba’s involvement, with links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) .
Execution of Operation Sindoor
In retaliation, India’s tri-service operation focused on neutralizing terror infrastructures without targeting Pakistani military installations. Key targets included:
- Muridke: Headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Bahawalpur: Associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed leadership.
- Muzaffarabad and Kotli: Regions in PoK housing militant training facilities .
The Defence Ministry described the strikes as “measured and non-escalatory,” emphasizing precision to avoid civilian casualties.
Pakistan’s Response and Escalation
Pakistan condemned the strikes as an “act of war,” reporting at least eight civilian deaths and 38 injuries. Islamabad claimed to have shot down several Indian aircraft and vowed robust retaliation. Subsequently, Pakistan closed its airspace and heightened military readiness along the Line of Control (LoC) .
International Reactions
The international community expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both nations to exercise restraint, emphasizing the global risk of further conflict. The United States and China also called for calm, highlighting the need for diplomatic solutions .
Domestic Measures and Security Enhancements
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack and subsequent military operations, India implemented several measures:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: Halting water-sharing agreements with Pakistan.
- Diplomatic Actions: Expelling Pakistani diplomats and closing borders.
- Security Enhancements: Deploying additional forces in Jammu and Kashmir and grounding civil flights in sensitive regions .
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor underscores India’s commitment to counter-terrorism and its resolve to respond decisively to threats against its citizens. While the operation aimed to be precise and avoid broader conflict, the situation remains volatile, with the international community closely monitoring developments to prevent further escalation.
Sources:
- Operation Sindoor – Wikipedia
- 2025 Pahalgam attack – Wikipedia
- India strikes Pakistan as tension between nuclear-armed neighbors following terror attack reaches fever pitch – NY Post
- Pakistan decries ‘act of war’ after strikes from India – The Times
- India fires missiles into Pakistani territory in what Islamabad calls ‘act of war’ – AP News
- Tensions escalate after India fires missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory – Politico
