Gangtok, SIKKIM: Two weeks after the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead, India launched a swift and decisive military response, Operation Sindoor. The strikes targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Jaish-e-Mohammed’s stronghold in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke. But what made this operation different was its precision and the powerful symbolism behind its name.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang called it a tribute to “every Indian mother who wears sindoor with pride and freedom.” His words struck a chord nationwide, turning a military operation into a rallying cry for unity, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of Indian women.
The Pahalgam Massacre: A Nation’s Breaking Point
On April 22, 2025, terrorists stormed a village in Pahalgam, Kashmir, executing men in front of their families. Survivors recounted the attackers’ chilling words: “Go, tell Modi.” The massacre sparked nationwide outrage, with victims’ families demanding justice.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later confirmed intelligence linking the attack to Pakistan-based terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM). With evidence in hand, India’s security apparatus moved swiftly.
Operation Sindoor: Precision Strikes and Strategic Targets
In the early hours of May 7, India launched nine coordinated missile strikes deep inside enemy territory. Key targets included:
- Bahawalpur (Pakistan, Punjab) – Jem’s main headquarters.
- Muridke (near Lahore) – Let’s operational base.
- Four terror launchpads in Pok – Used to infiltrate militants into Jammu & Kashmir.
Defence experts noted that the operation avoided civilian areas, relying on real-time satellite intel and drone surveillance to minimise collateral damage.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, one of the officers who planned the strikes, stated: “This was not just about retaliation—it was about sending a clear message: India will not tolerate terror.”
Why ‘Sindoor’? The Cultural Power Behind the Name
The operation’s name was no coincidence. Sindoor, the red vermilion worn by married Hindu women, symbolises strength, commitment, and protection. By naming the strike Operation Sindoor, India tied military action to the dignity of its mothers and wives, those who bear the scars of terrorism most deeply.
Chief Minister Tamang elaborated: “When our soldiers fight, they don’t just defend borders, they protect the honour of every family, every mother who has lost a son, every wife who fears for her husband.”
Social media erupted with the hashtag #SindoorStandsForStrength, with millions sharing stories of women affected by terrorism.
Political Unity: Rare Bipartisan Support
Unlike past military actions, Operation Sindoor saw near-unanimous political backing:
- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi: “We stand with our armed forces in this decisive action.”
- AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi: “Terrorism has no religion, India’s response was justified.”
- West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: “This is not about politics; it’s about national security.”
Even regional parties, often critical of the central government, praised the operation’s precision and intent.
Global Reactions: From Praise to Caution
The strikes drew mixed international responses:
- China urged “restraint from both sides.”
- U.S. President Donald Trump called it “a strong move by a strong nation.”
- Pakistan denied hosting terror camps but retaliated with shelling along the LOC, leading to brief skirmishes.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern but stopped short of condemning India, acknowledging “the right to self-defence.”
Conclusion: More Than a Military Strike, A National Resolve
Operation Sindoor was more than just a counterterror mission. It symbolised India’s unity, a tribute to its mothers, and a warning to its enemies. As Chief Minister Tamang put it: “This was justice, not just for Pahalgam, but for every Indian who believes in peace and strength.”
With tensions still simmering, one thing is clear: India’s patience has limits, and its resolve is unshakable.
