India’s Operation Sindoor

The recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 innocent civilians were killed in Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, marked a tragic event that shook the nation. 

In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, a military operation aimed at targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 

The Pahalgam Terror Attack and Its Impact

On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist attack occurred in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were gunned down. 

This horrifying attack left India and the world condemning the act. The attack was attributed to militants believed to be operating from Pakistan or PoK. In the aftermath, the Indian government vowed to respond with force and decisiveness.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Retaliatory Action

Operation Sindoor Launched:

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 6-7, 2025, involving India-Pakistan missile strikes aimed at crippling terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Targeting Terrorist Camps: 

The missile strikes specifically targeted terrorist camps and training facilities responsible for planning and executing cross-border attacks on Indian soil, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

National Security Message: 

The strikes were a clear message to Pakistan regarding its failure to curb terrorism emanating from its territory, reinforcing India's commitment to ensuring national security and protecting its citizens from external threats.

Precautionary Measures: Schools Closed in Border Areas

As tensions escalated following Operation Sindoor, schools in several border areas were closed as a precautionary measure. This was particularly evident in regions like Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan, where cross-border tensions were heightened.

• Jammu & Kashmir: Schools in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch were closed to ensure the safety of students and the public.

• Punjab: Educational institutions in Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, and Amritsar also remained closed. In Pathankot, schools were shut for 72 hours.

• Rajasthan: Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer districts, which share borders with Pakistan, also witnessed school closures.

This was done to reduce civilian exposure to any potential retaliatory actions or military escalation that could impact these border regions.

Diplomatic Reactions and Political Support

Following Operation Sindoor, political leaders from across India extended support for the swift military response. 

Leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Asaduddin Owaisi hailed the Indian armed forces' retaliation as necessary to protect India's sovereignty. These reactions were aimed at solidifying the government’s position in the fight against terrorism.

On the international front, while Pakistan condemned the missile strikes, India stood firm in its position on combating cross-border terrorism and safeguarding its citizens.

Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have further deteriorated, with both countries suspending key agreements, including the Indus Waters Treaty and the Simla Agreement.

Impact on India-Pakistan Relations

• The India-Pakistan missile strikes and the subsequent escalation have had a significant impact on bilateral relations.

• In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, several Pakistani social media accounts and YouTube channels have been blocked in India for allegedly promoting terrorism and spreading misinformation.

• The Pakistan-occupied Kashmir strikes are seen as part of India’s broader strategy to disrupt the operations of terrorist camps in the region.

• India has emphasized that any future attacks from across the border will result in similar responses aimed at neutralizing the threat.

Final Thoughts

India’s response to the Pahalgam attack through Operation Sindoor serves as a testament to its commitment to fighting terrorism. 

By targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK, India has sent a strong message to those who seek to destabilize its sovereignty. The operation also highlights India’s willingness to act decisively to protect its citizens and maintain peace along its borders.

For SSC aspirants, it’s crucial to understand the significance of Operation Sindoor, not just from a military perspective, but also in terms of its impact on cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.