7 May 2025
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist and Research Analysist
Introduction
India has launched a strong military action called Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This move came after a deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which killed 26 people. The Indian government said that the operation focused on eliminating locations where terrorist attacks against India were being planned and executed.
Nine Locations Targeted in the Operation
According to official information, a total of nine different terrorist-related locations were targeted in this operation. These places were used as planning centers and launchpads for recent attacks on Indian soil. The operation was carried out by Indian armed forces using precision methods.
Tensions Rise Between India and Pakistan
After the Pahalgam attack, relations between India and Pakistan have worsened sharply. The situation on both sides of the border is very tense. Reports suggest that there has been heavy shelling and loud explosions in border areas of Pakistan following India’s operation.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan reacted strongly to India’s action. It described the Indian strikes as cowardly attacks on five locations inside Pakistan. The Pakistani leadership said that they have the full right to respond and are doing so with strength. They also claimed that their military and people stand united and are prepared to face any threat.
Schools and Colleges Shut Down
Due to the rising tension between the two countries, educational institutions in many regions have been shut down. In India, schools in districts near the border like Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Fazilka have been ordered to remain closed for the next 72 hours. Similarly, in Pakistan and in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, schools and colleges have been temporarily closed to ensure safety.
Airlines Cancel Flights and Issue Advisories
Several Indian airlines issued travel advisories and canceled flights due to the tense situation. Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo reported that flights to and from areas like Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and others were affected. Passengers were advised to check the status of their flights before heading to airports. On the other side, due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, some international airlines like Qatar Airways suspended their flights to Pakistan temporarily.
Public and Political Reactions
The Indian public showed strong support for their armed forces. People across the country expressed pride and confidence in the Indian military. Many political leaders from various parties supported the army’s actions, saying that terrorism must be wiped out from its roots. There was a common message of national unity in this time of crisis.
Calls for National Unity
Leaders called on the nation to stand together and support the army. They said this is a time to be united and not to play politics. Many emphasized that the country’s fight is not against any nation, but against terrorism and those who support it.
Eyewitness Accounts from Pakistan-Occupied Areas
People living in the targeted regions, especially in and around Muzaffarabad, described scenes of chaos and fear. Some residents said that they were sleeping when loud explosions shook their homes. Families ran out in panic, searching for safer places. The atmosphere in these areas remains fearful, with many worried about the possibility of more attacks.
One resident shared that several missiles landed close to residential areas, causing destruction and spreading panic. Many people are still trying to understand what happened and are struggling to find safe shelter.
Fear of Escalation
Security experts fear that this situation could escalate further. While India has emphasized that the operation was targeted only at terror bases, tensions remain high. There is fear on both sides that any misstep could lead to a bigger conflict.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor marks a major turning point in India’s approach to dealing with cross-border terrorism. The government has made it clear that it will not tolerate attacks on its soil and will take strong action against terror networks. With rising tensions, the international community is watching closely, hoping for calm and urging both sides to avoid full-scale conflict. While the situation is serious, many hope that this strong action will help reduce future terror threats and bring peace to the region.