Retaliation for the Pahalgam Massacre
On May 7, 2025, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a series of precision strikes targeting nine alleged terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This military action was in direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 28 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists, were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir. The Resistance Front (TRF), initially claiming responsibility, later retracted, but Indian authorities linked the attack to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, citing intelligence and forensic evidence.
The Strikes: Scope and Execution
Operation Sindoor involved coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, targeting sites in cities like Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad. Advanced weaponry, including Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and Hammer bombs, was employed. India reported the destruction of terror camps and the elimination of approximately 80 to 90 militants.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized the precision and restraint of the operation, stating that only terrorist infrastructures were targeted, avoiding Pakistani military facilities.
Pakistan’s Response: Condemnation and Retaliation
Pakistan condemned the strikes as an “act of war,” reporting 26 civilian deaths and 46 injuries, including women and children. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed a “befitting reply,” and Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, a claim not confirmed by India.
Subsequently, Pakistan initiated heavy cross-border shelling along the Line of Control, resulting in the deaths of at least three Indian civilians.
International Reactions: Calls for Restraint
The international community expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The United Nations, United States, France, China, and the United Kingdom urged both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Air travel disruptions occurred across the region, with several international flights diverted or canceled due to the heightened tensions.
Domestic Measures: India’s Preparedness
In anticipation of potential escalations, India initiated “Operation Abhyaas,” a nationwide emergency preparedness drill involving 244 districts. The exercise included testing air raid sirens, readying bomb shelters, simulating blackouts, and training civilians in emergency response procedures.
The Indian government also ordered the evacuation of civilians from villages along the Line of Control into bunkers following cross-border firing and shelling by Pakistani forces.
Navigating a Precarious Path
Operation Sindoor marks a significant escalation in the longstanding conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. While India asserts its right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism, Pakistan’s allegations of civilian casualties and its subsequent military responses have intensified the situation.
The international community’s calls for restraint underscore the potential for a broader conflict, emphasizing the need for diplomatic engagement and conflict resolution mechanisms. As both nations grapple with internal and external pressures, the path forward requires careful navigation to prevent further escalation and to seek lasting peace in the region.
(With agency inputs)
