In a historic and symbolic move, two women officers Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army led India’s official briefing on ‘Operation Sindoor’, the precision airstrike mission carried out on May 7, 2025. This operation was India’s bold response to the Pahalgam terror attack that tragically claimed 26 lives on April 22.
The briefing wasn’t just about military strategy it sent a strong, emotional message. By putting women at the forefront, India paid tribute to the widows of the Pahalgam victims, many of whom lost their husbands in the brutal attack. The name ‘Sindoor’, referring to the red vermilion worn by married Hindu women, symbolizes both sacrifice and resilience.
Women in Command: Vyomika Singh & Sofiya Qureshi
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated officer from the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, is the first Indian woman to command a military contingent in an international exercise. During the briefing, she stated:
“Terror targets were chosen based on credible intelligence and their involvement in cross-border terrorism. No military installations in Pakistan were targeted during Operation Sindoor.”
She confirmed that nine terrorist camps were successfully destroyed.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a highly accomplished helicopter pilot and NCC alumna, added:
“India has shown immense restraint. But if Pakistan attempts to escalate, our armed forces are fully prepared to respond.”
What Was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a swift and surgical strike operation executed by the Indian Air Force, targeting nine key terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These areas included Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bahawalpur, Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, Bhimber, and Jhelum.
Using advanced weaponry like the SCALP missile and HAMMER bomb, the IAF launched 24 precision missile strikes that:
- Killed 70 terrorists
- Injured over 60
- Were executed in just 25 minutes, starting at 1:05 AM on May 7
Government sources called the strike “a statement of strategic resolve”. Rather than escalating conflict, India aimed to dismantle terror networks with measured, proportionate, and responsible force.
Pakistan’s Reaction
In response to the Indian strike, Pakistan resorted to unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in the death of 10 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch sector, including two children.
Operation Sindoor is not just a military operation it is a symbolic act of justice. By entrusting the briefing to two women officers, India sent a clear message: terrorism will not go unanswered, and the voices of those left behind especially women will be heard loud and clear.
