New Delhi/Islamabad – 7 May 2025 : In a significant escalation of hostilities, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on the night of 6 May 2025, conducting missile strikes on nine locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This military action was in direct response to the 22 April Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists, were killed by militants.
Background: The Pahalgam Attack
The Pahalgam massacre occurred in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Five armed militants, reportedly affiliated with the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeted non-Muslim tourists, resulting in 26 fatalities and 20 injuries. The attackers, dressed in army fatigues, used automatic weapons to carry out the assault before fleeing into nearby forests. The Resistance Front initially claimed responsibility but later retracted its statement.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Military Response
In retaliation, the Indian Armed Forces initiated “Operation Sindoor,” targeting what they described as terrorist infrastructure responsible for planning attacks against India. The operation involved precision missile strikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government emphasized that the operation was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” deliberately avoiding Pakistani military installations to prevent further escalation.
The Indian Army declared “Justice is Served” following the strikes, underscoring the operation’s intent to hold perpetrators accountable for the Pahalgam attack.
Pakistan’s Reaction and Civilian Impact
Pakistan reported missile impacts in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bahawalpur, resulting in the death of at least one child and injuries to two others. The strikes caused explosions and power outages in parts of Pakistani-administered Kashmir. Pakistan’s military condemned the attacks as a “heinous provocation” and vowed retaliation at a time and place of its choosing.
In response to the strikes, Pakistan placed its air force on high alert, with fighter jets on standby at forward bases. The situation remains volatile, with both nations reinforcing their defense postures along the Line of Control.
International Concerns and Calls for Restraint
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Diplomatic efforts are underway to urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation. The United States, among other nations, has called for calm and emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could lead to a full-scale conflict.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation and a return to diplomatic dialogue between the two nations.