A shocking incident unfolded in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, where terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists, resulting in multiple injuries. 26 have been killed and several injured, which sent a shockwave through the popular tourist destination of Kashmir Valley.
In reply to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Armed Forces successfully executed ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting key terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation involved precision strikes on nine identified sites linked to terrorist outfits, specifically targeting camps associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. Notable locations affected include Masjid Sobhanullah in Ahmed Pur East, Bahawalpur, Kotli in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and Muzaffarabad.
Two of the locations in Pakistan targeted by India during Operation Sindoor on May 7 were also under consideration during the Balakot airstrikes five years ago. Balakot airstrikes were carried out in retaliation for the massive terror attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. These strikes were a direct response to the loss of lives in the attack and were aimed at crippling terrorist networks operating across the border.
9 Terrorist Sites Targeted
- Markaz Subhan Allah Bahawalpur
- Markaz Taiba, Muridke
- Sarjal / Tehra Kalan
- Mehmoona Joya Facility, Sialkot
- Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala, Bhimber
- Markaz Abbas, Kotli
- Maskar Raheel Shahid, located in Kotli District
- Shawai Nallah Cam in Muzaffarabad
- Markaz Syedna Bilal
Press Briefing After Operation Sindoor
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, briefed the media about Operation Sindoor – India’s retaliatory attack on nine chosen terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The two women officers seem to be chosen carefully to deliver a strong message – India’s unwavering commitment to end terrorism and honouring the widows of those who tragically lost their lives.
What Vikram Misri Said On Ceasefire?
Before Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s announcement on the Ceasefire, US President Donald Trump posted about it on their X handle. Trump wrote, “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday, May 9, 2025, informed about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He said both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea, effective from 1700 hours of Indian Standard Time. However, on the same day, Pakistan violated the ceasefire.
Ceasefire Violated
On May 10, just after few hours after the MEA briefing, Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah posted on his X handle about the explosion in Srinagar. This becomes a violation of the ceasefire. Omar Abdullah wrote, “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!”
On May 10, MEA held a press briefing for the third time and mentioned, “An understanding was reached this evening between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan to stop the military action that was going on for the last few days. For the last few hours, this understanding has been violated by Pakistan. The Indian Army is retaliating and dealing with this border intrusion. This intrusion is extremely condemnable, and Pakistan is responsible for it. We believe that Pakistan should understand this situation properly and take appropriate action immediately to stop this intrusion.”
After this ceasefire violation Ministry of Defence held a press briefing on May 11, 2025. During this press briefing, several details were shared by the defence personnel. During this press conference, DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai stated, “In those strikes across 9 terror hubs left more than 100 terrorists were Killed.”
Vice Admiral AN Pramod mentioned, “This time if Pakistan dares to take any action, Pakistan knows what we are going to do.”
Speaking on achieving the objective, Air Marshal AK Bharti said, “Have we achieved our objectives of decimating the terrorist camps, and the answer is a thumping Yes and the results are for the whole world to see.”
Also Read: Behind The India-Pakistan Ceasefire: What Power Does The Army’s DGMO Really Hold? An Explainer!
