Operation Sindoor and Its Impact
India’s Operation Sindoor, launched earlier this year, struck deep into the heart of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting major terror hubs. The precision strikes dealt a severe blow to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba, dismantling their infrastructure and exposing Pakistan’s continued sheltering of terrorist leaders. Among the most notable consequences was the damage inflicted on JeM chief Masood Azhar’s family, confirming the scale and accuracy of the operation.
Months after the strikes, a rare public confession came from JeM commander Masood Ilyas Kashmiri. Speaking in Bahawalpur while flanked by armed militants, he admitted that Masood Azhar’s family was “torn into pieces” during the May 7 strike on the Subhan Allah complex—one of the operation’s key targets. The disclosure echoes Azhar’s own earlier statement that 10 of his family members and four aides were killed. Such admissions, broadcast within militant circles, highlight the enduring fear Operation Sindoor has instilled in JeM ranks.
Precision Strikes in Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur, a long-time stronghold of JeM and home to Masood Azhar himself, was a central target. Indian forces destroyed several training centres located perilously close to Pakistan Army facilities, airbases, and even the Lahore High Court bench. This exposed how deeply entrenched terror networks were within civilian and administrative zones, underscoring Pakistan’s complicity. By focusing only on terror camps and avoiding military installations, India emphasized its commitment to counterterrorism rather than escalation.
Masood Azhar’s Notorious Record
Masood Azhar remains one of India’s most wanted terrorists. From orchestrating the 2001 Parliament attack to the 2008 Mumbai carnage, the 2016 Pathankot assault, and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing, his trail of violence is long. He was designated a global terrorist by the UN in 2019, though Pakistan continues to deny his presence despite overwhelming evidence. His release in 1999, following the IC-814 hijacking to Kandahar, remains one of the most painful episodes in India’s security history.
Strategic Victory with Long-Term Message
Operation Sindoor was not merely a tactical strike; it was a strategic statement. By targeting Azhar’s bastion and exposing the vulnerability of terror strongholds, India demonstrated both its capability and intent to act decisively against cross-border terrorism. The damage inflicted on JeM’s leadership family circle carries symbolic weight, signaling that no one is beyond reach. While Pakistan persists in denial, the confessions from within JeM stand as undeniable proof. For India, the operation marks both justice for past attacks and a warning for the future—terror will not be allowed safe havens.
(With agency inputs)
