Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang will lead a massive Tiranga Yatra tomorrow, marching through Gangtok’s MG Marg to Paljor Stadium in a powerful tribute to the Indian Armed Forces for their success in Operation Sindoor. The rally, organised by the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), drew thousands of residents waving the national flag, chanting patriotic slogans, and celebrating the military’s decisive strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok).
Why Operation Sindoor Matters
Launched on May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was India’s swift retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22), where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed. The operation, named after the vermilion (sindoor) worn by Hindu married women, symbolised both grief for the widows of the attack and India’s resolve to strike back.
- Strategic Strikes: Indian forces destroyed 9 terror camps in a 25-minute operation, using precision-guided missiles and drones without crossing international borders.
- Minimal Losses: No Indian soldiers or assets were lost, showcasing advanced Indigenous military techs like Akash missiles and Rafale jets.
- Pakistan’s Losses: Islamabad confirmed 11 military personnel killed and 78 injured, while India neutralised retaliatory drone attacks.
Inside Sikkim’s Patriotic Rally
The Tiranga Yatra wasn’t just a parade but a symbol of unity. Walking alongside veterans and students, CM Tamang emphasised that the event was “not political but a duty to our heroes”. Key moments included:
- Flag Hoisting: A 100-foot tricolour was unfurled at Paljor Stadium.
- Veteran Tributes: War heroes shared stories of Operation Sindoor’s planning, including Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who became the first woman to brief the nation on a major military op.
- Tech Display: Locals saw captured Chinese PL-15 missiles and Turkish drones used by Pakistan, now displayed as proof of India’s defence prowess.
How Sikkim’s Tribute Stands Out
Unlike BJP-led yantras in other states, Sikkim’s event focused on grassroots patriotism:
- School Programs: Kids wrote essays on fallen soldiers while artists performed plays reenacting the operation.
- Military Outreach: Veterans were invited to share meals with families, bridging civilian and armed forces’ bonds.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Defence Evolution
Operation Sindoor wasn’t just a military win—it proved India’s self-reliance in defence tech:
- Drone Power: Indigenous “kamikaze drones” and counter-UAV systems foiled Pakistan’s retaliation.
- Satellite Intel: ISRO’s 10 dedicated satellites tracked enemy movements in real time.
- Global Impact: Defence exports hit ₹24,000 crore, with sights set on becoming the world’s top arms supplier by 2047.
What’s Next?
CM Tamang announced plans for an annual Sindoor Day to educate youth on military sacrifices. Meanwhile, the armed forces remain on “hot standby” as Pakistan and China regroup.
Final Thought:
As Sikkim’s tricolours faded into the evening sky, one message rang clear—India’s strength lies in firepower and the people who remember its cost.
