President Droupadi Murmu praised the Indian Armed Forces for their courage and commitment during a high-level meeting with top defence officials, where she was briefed on the progress of Operation Sindoor. The operation was launched as a strong retaliatory strike following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 innocent lives.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Rashtrapati Bhavan said:“General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, along with General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, and Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, called on President Droupadi Murmu and briefed her about Operation Sindoor.”
The post added that the President commended the bravery and professionalism of the Armed Forces, noting that their decisive response had turned India’s fight against terrorism into “a sterling success.”
Details of Operation Sindoor Emerge
In ongoing briefings about the operation, senior defence officials highlighted the mission’s objectives and outcomes. Air Marshal A.K. Bharti stated, “Our fight was directed at terrorist networks and their infrastructure — not the Pakistani military.”
He added, “Regrettably, the Pakistan military chose to intervene on behalf of the terrorists, forcing us to respond appropriately.”
Air Marshal Bharti also emphasized the performance of indigenous defence systems. “Our proven battle systems held strong under pressure. Of particular note was the stellar performance of the Akash air defence system, whose operational success reflects the government’s decade-long investment in indigenous defence capabilities.”
Bharat Yatra Promotes Unity Amid Tensions
Meanwhile, in a parallel show of national unity, the Bharat Yatra, led by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) and its National Convenor Abu Bakr Naqvi, reached Srinagar, promoting peace and harmony in the region. The Yatra concluded at Lal Chowk’s iconic Ghanta Ghar.
Flagged off in New Delhi by MRM Patron Indresh Kumar, the Yatra aimed to strengthen the message of national integration and religious harmony.
Speaking to the media, Naqvi condemned the Pahalgam attack and praised the government’s swift and firm response.“The attack was a horrifying act committed in the name of religion, targeting our brothers based on their identity. It shocked 140 crore Indians and the world alike,” he said.
“I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acting on the voice of the people and ensuring a fitting response. The Indian Army has demonstrated remarkable strength and has taught Pakistan a crucial lesson. We are deeply grateful to our Armed Forces for their sacrifice and bravery,” Naqvi added.
A Decisive Military Response
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, marked India’s assertive military retaliation against terrorist outfits following the Pahalgam massacre. Indian forces targeted terror camps and infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), resulting in the deaths of over 100 militants associated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Following the Indian strikes, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and attempted drone attacks across the Line of Control and border regions in Jammu and Kashmir. India responded with coordinated airstrikes, damaging radar systems, communication nodes, and airbases across 11 locations inside Pakistan.
Amid escalating tensions, both sides agreed to a cessation of hostilities on May 10, providing a temporary pause after a week of intense cross-border engagement. (Source: news syndicate)
