New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally selected the name ‘Operation Sindoor’ for the armed forces’ coordinated strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), news agency PTI reported citing official sources.
The evocative term was chosen in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, in which 26 civilians — mostly male tourists — were brutally gunned down after being singled out based on their identity. The attack left several women widowed, their grief-stricken faces becoming a stark symbol of the tragedy across the nation.
PM Modi deeply moved and angered by Pahalgam attack
According to reports, PM Modi, deeply moved and angered by the Pahalgam attack, was closely involved in strategic deliberations with senior military leaders and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. After high-level meetings with the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the PM is said to have given the armed forces a “free hand” to respond accordingly.
The name ‘Operation Sindoor’ — a reference to the sacred vermillion powder that signifies marital commitment and the status of married women in India — was considered apt as a tribute to the widows of the victims. The symbolism aimed to convey that justice was being served on behalf of those women who lost their husbands in the terrorist attack.
In the early hours of Tuesday, around 1am, the armed forces executed precision strikes on nine terror targets, including key strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke. Over 100 terrorists were reportedly killed in these coordinated land, air, and naval operations.
Military action comes after diplomatic and economic measures
Prior to the military action, India had taken a series of diplomatic and economic measures against Pakistan. These included the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, downgrading of diplomatic ties, and halting of bilateral trade and postal services — steps seen as a prelude to the eventual military retaliation.
Addressing a rally in Madhubani, Bihar, shortly after the Pahalgam attacks, PM Modi had warned that the country’s response would be unprecedented. “This time, the action will be beyond what terrorists could have imagined. They will be erased from the soil,” he declared.
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