Rajnath Singh Reports Over 100 Terrorists Killed in Operation Sindoor
In a significant development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed an all-party meeting that over 100 terrorists were killed during India’s recent military operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor. This operation was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 27 individuals, including 25 Hindu tourists, a Christian tourist, and a local Muslim. The strikes targeted nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, focusing on terrorist infrastructure.
During the briefing, Singh emphasized that Operation Sindoor is ongoing and that India remains vigilant. He stated that while India does not seek further escalation, it will respond decisively if provoked. The Defence Minister also highlighted the precision and effectiveness of the strikes, which aimed to dismantle key terrorist training camps and logistics hubs.
Political Unity Amidst Crisis
The all-party meeting witnessed a rare display of political unity. Opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, expressed their support for the government’s actions. Gandhi acknowledged the sensitive nature of the information shared and refrained from pressing for further details, stating, “We understand the situation.”
Kharge, while expressing solidarity, noted the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the meeting. He remarked, “He was not present at the earlier meeting either. It’s okay, he thinks he is above Parliament. We will ask him sometime. But this is a time of crisis, we don’t want to criticise anyone.”
Strategic Targets and Impact
Operation Sindoor targeted several high-value terrorist camps, including those associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. One notable target was the Abbas Terrorist Camp at Kotli, a key training center for suicide bombers. The Indian Army released footage showcasing the destruction of these facilities, underscoring the operation’s success.
In addition to the elimination of over 100 terrorists, reports indicate that 10 family members of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar were killed in the strikes. This development is seen as a significant blow to the leadership of terrorist organizations operating in the region.
Ongoing Vigilance and Regional Stability
Following the operation, there have been reports of unprovoked firing from Pakistan across the Line of Control, particularly in areas like Uri, Kupwara, and Baramulla. The Indian Army has responded proportionately and continues to monitor the situation closely.
