In a powerful and unprecedented military response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, India launched Operation Sindoor, a well-coordinated strike targeting terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This bold offensive resulted in the elimination of at least 100 terrorists, according to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who disclosed the details during a high-level all-party meeting held on May 8, 2025.
India’s Retaliatory Strikes: Inside Operation Sindoor
India’s armed forces carried out a meticulously planned military operation in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine major terror camps operating in Pakistan and PoK. The mission, codenamed Operation Sindoor, was designed as a swift and strategic retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Key Outcomes of Operation Sindoor:
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Nine terror hideouts destroyed across Pakistan and PoK.
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100 terrorists neutralized, as per Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
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Tactical strikes conducted with surgical precision during pre-dawn hours.
Cross-Border Shelling by Pakistan Claims More Lives
While India executed Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, Pakistani military responded with aggressive shelling, resulting in further loss of civilian lives in Jammu and Kashmir.
Casualties Reported:
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13 people dead, including 12 civilians and 1 Indian Army officer.
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Over 50 injured, including two CRPF jawans.
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Poonch district witnessed the highest impact, with 44 injuries reported.
The shelling coincided with India's military action, and tensions escalated sharply across the Line of Control (LoC). In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed India's border states to strengthen their defensive infrastructure to prepare for potential retaliatory action from Islamabad.
Civil Defence Preparedness: Nationwide Mock Drills
On the same day as the strikes, India conducted extensive civil defence drills across 244 districts. These were designed to test readiness in the event of full-scale military escalation.
Key Features of the Mock Drills:
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Activation of air raid sirens and power blackouts in vulnerable areas.
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Evacuation drills and setup of temporary healthcare facilities.
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Deployment of hundreds of defence personnel to oversee operations.
These drills indicate the government’s heightened state of alert and determination to safeguard civilian life amid increasing Indo-Pak tensions.
All-Party Meeting: Political Unity Amid National Crisis
In light of the grave situation, the Central Government convened an all-party meeting at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi on May 8, 2025. The goal was to provide a detailed briefing on Operation Sindoor, maintain political consensus, and reinforce a unified national stance.
Key Attendees from the Government:
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Rajnath Singh – Union Defence Minister
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Amit Shah – Union Home Minister
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S. Jaishankar – External Affairs Minister
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Nirmala Sitharaman – Finance Minister
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JP Nadda – Union Minister
Leading Opposition Figures Present:
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Mallikarjun Kharge – Congress President & LoP Rajya Sabha
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Rahul Gandhi – LoP Lok Sabha
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Sanjay Singh – AAP MP
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T R Baalu – DMK Leader
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Saugata Roy – TMC MP
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Asaduddin Owaisi – AIMIM Chief
Statements and Reactions from Political Leaders
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh:
“At least 100 terrorists have been killed in the strikes. This operation is a clear message to those nurturing terrorism on their soil.”
Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress):
“In this moment of crisis, we are with the government. Some details were confidential and not discussed, but we extend our full support.”
Rahul Gandhi:
“The government has our unconditional backing in taking decisive action. National security is above politics.”
Sanjay Singh (AAP):
“The Army has taught a big lesson to terrorist groups like the one led by Masood Azhar. We salute the supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers.”
Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM):
“I suggested we launch a global campaign to label the Resistance Front (TRF) as a terror outfit and press the US to designate it officially. Pakistan must also be grey-listed by the FATF.”
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju:
“Operation Sindoor was executed with precision by our armed forces. PM Modi is clear: India must remain united in times of crisis. We cannot afford internal divisions.”
The government emphasized the necessity for political unity, given the sensitive geopolitical situation and the potential for further provocation from Pakistan.
India Sends a Strong Message
Operation Sindoor is more than a military strike; it is a strategic declaration that India will no longer tolerate cross-border terrorism. With the loss of civilian and military lives, including in the Pahalgam and Poonch attacks, India has chosen to act decisively.
As the international community watches closely, India’s robust military response, political consensus, and civilian readiness underline a critical shift in its approach to national security. The coming days will test the resilience of both diplomacy and defence, but for now, India stands united against terror.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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