In a decisive move following the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indian citizens on April 22, India launched Operation Sindoor, a pre-dawn precision airstrike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). The operation was jointly executed by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and struck nine high-value terror sites, dealing a major blow to terror networks.
At the forefront of the national response were Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who led the official media briefing alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The decision to have two women officers address the nation was deeply symbolic. This powerful gesture not only underscored India’s commitment to eradicating terrorism but also served as a tribute to the widows and families of those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam massacre—many of whom were newly married men, killed based on their faith.
The operation’s name, Sindoor, referencing the traditional symbol of marriage for Hindu women, further emphasized this emotional and cultural resonance.
The Indian Armed Forces carried out the mission using high-precision munitions, focusing on known terror hubs. Among the nine key locations targeted:
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Bahawalpur and Muridke, strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) respectively, were hit hardest. Around 25–30 terrorists were neutralized at each site.
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In Muridke, the Masjid wa Markaz Taiba, considered the ideological headquarters of LeT, was a primary target.
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Other sites included Sarjal at Tehra Kalan, Markaz Abbas in Kotli, Syedna Bilal camp and Shwawai Nalla camp in Muzaffarabad, and Hizbul Mujahideen centers in Sialkot and Kotli.
Initial intelligence reports estimate that between 80 and 90 terrorists were killed in total.
No Military Installations Targeted in Operation Sindoor:
Officials clarified that no Pakistani military bases were attacked during Operation Sindoor. However, evidence suggests that the Pakistani Army, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and Special Services Group (SSG) were involved in supporting the terror infrastructure that was struck.
Pakistan’s Response and Border Tensions:
In the aftermath, Pakistan claimed eight civilian deaths, including one child, and condemned the operation as a “blatant act of war.” Tensions escalated quickly with intense cross-border shelling initiated by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. India responded firmly, and three Indian civilians were reportedly killed in the retaliatory exchanges.
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A Statement of Courage and Change
Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh’s leadership at the press briefing not only demonstrated India’s military precision and resolve but also signaled a progressive shift in representation within defense leadership.
Their presence at the podium honored not only fallen soldiers but also empowered every Indian woman watching. It was a message of strength, unity, and defiance—that women stand at the helm of India’s fight against terror, not in the shadows.
A Nation That Strikes with Strength and Symbolism
Operation Sindoor was not just a military operation. It was a strategic, cultural, and emotional response to an unthinkable act of terror. It delivered a powerful blow to enemy networks while honoring the lives lost.
Through precision strikes and powerful symbolism, India made it clear—terrorism will be answered with strength, and that strength now wears many faces—including those of its daughters in uniform.
