Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader, Bhupesh Baghel, raised a series of questions on Monday regarding the success of India’s "Operation Sindoor," a military operation that targeted Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. This attack, which occurred on April 22, claimed the lives of 26 people, leading Baghel to challenge the claims of success surrounding the operation.
In a press conference, Baghel raised concerns about the loss of lives and questioned whether the operation achieved its intended goals. He pointed out that despite the operation, the terrorists responsible for the attack had not been apprehended or neutralized. “26 people lost their lives, were those 4 or 5 terrorists caught? If they were not caught, how can you claim that Operation Sindoor was successful? Who is responsible for this lapse?” he questioned, seeking accountability for the failure to prevent such loss of life. His remarks highlighted the disparity between the government’s claims and the reality on the ground.
The Congress leader also took aim at the government’s assurances that everything was normal in Kashmir, which he argued led to civilians visiting the region with their families, only to fall victim to the terror attack. “People went to Kashmir on your (government’s) assurance that everything is normal. People went there with their families and lost their loved ones,” Baghel stated, accusing the government of failing to adequately address security concerns.
In contrast, the Indian government defended its stance, asserting that the operation had been a necessary step in protecting national security and maintaining order in the region. The Centre emphasized that the need to safeguard the country’s integrity far outweighed the collateral damage, reiterating the importance of sending a strong message to those supporting terrorism.
Operation Sindoor: A Game-Changer
Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, and it quickly became a milestone in India’s fight against terrorism. The operation targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), sending a clear and forceful message. The operation not only avenged the terror attack but also marked a new chapter in India's strategy to combat terrorism—one that blended military precision with strategic innovation and global diplomacy.
By targeting key terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK, India struck at the heart of several notorious terror organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen. These camps were responsible for training and coordinating multiple terror operations across the region, and India’s precise strikes were designed to dismantle their infrastructure.
The operation was especially significant because it demonstrated India’s ability to strike deep into Pakistan’s territory, far beyond the traditional conflict zones along the Line of Control (LoC). India targeted locations in Pakistan's Punjab province, including Bahawalpur, a region so high-risk that even the United States had hesitated to deploy drones there. This bold move signaled to Pakistan—and the world—that India would no longer restrict its counter-terrorism actions to the LoC.
Technological Prowess and Military Precision
The military precision of Operation Sindoor was highlighted by the use of advanced weaponry and air assets. The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a pivotal role, utilizing Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs. The strikes were carried out with such accuracy and speed that the mission was completed in just 23 minutes, with no losses on the Indian side. This exposed significant weaknesses in Pakistan’s air defense systems, which failed to prevent the strikes from reaching their intended targets.
Moreover, India’s indigenous Akashteer air defense system proved its effectiveness during the operation, intercepting multiple drone threats and emerging as a formidable defense asset. The successful deployment of this system showcased India’s growing capabilities in air defense, which are now on par with global standards.
The Strategic Impact
India's military actions did not stop at targeting terrorist camps. On the nights of May 9 and 10, retaliatory strikes were launched on 11 Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bholari, and Jacobabad. This marked the first time in history that a country had attacked the air force camps of a nuclear-armed nation. The strikes led to the destruction of 20% of Pakistan's air force infrastructure.
The strike on Bholari Air Base was particularly devastating, as it resulted in the death of over 50 personnel, including Squadron Leader Usman Yousuf and four other airmen. Several fighter jets were also destroyed in the attack, further crippling Pakistan’s air capabilities. In addition to these air base strikes, Indian forces responded decisively to Pakistani shelling along the LoC, particularly in the Poonch-Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian forces destroyed multiple terrorist bunkers and military positions that had been targeting civilians in the region.
What was even more striking was India’s restraint when it came to targeting civilian or military infrastructure unrelated to terrorism. Despite the intensity of the strikes, India adhered to a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism without escalating the conflict into a full-scale war. This showed the world that India was capable of precision strikes while maintaining a focus on countering terrorism, rather than engaging in indiscriminate military action.
Global Repercussions
Operation Sindoor also had a significant impact on the global narrative surrounding India-Pakistan relations. Unlike previous conflicts, where India faced calls for restraint from the international community, this time, many global leaders supported India’s right to defend itself against terrorism. The operation was viewed not only as a retaliation for the Pahalgam attack but also as a clear statement that India would not tolerate terrorism in any form. This shift in international sentiment reflected the moral grounding of India’s actions and the precision with which they were carried out.
The Outcome
The outcome of Operation Sindoor has been remarkable. Over 100 terrorists were killed, and Pakistan's vulnerabilities were laid bare for the world to see. The operation sent a powerful message that India was no longer willing to tolerate terrorism emanating from across the border. The success of Operation Sindoor has redefined India’s counter-terrorism strategy, drawing a clear line in the sand and demonstrating that terrorism will be met with a direct and visible response.
India’s military cooperation, with the Army, Navy, and Air Force working together seamlessly, further underscored the country’s growing military synergy and readiness. The operation has set a new benchmark for India’s response to cross-border terrorism, one that combines military might with diplomatic finesse.
In conclusion, while Bhupesh Baghel’s concerns about accountability and the loss of lives are valid and must be addressed, there is no denying the strategic success of Operation Sindoor. The operation reaffirms India’s commitment to safeguarding its borders and citizens, while also sending a strong message to those who would dare to disrupt peace and stability in the region.
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