In a strong and emotional response to the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India launched precision missile strikes on nine terror camps located across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This major counterattack, named Operation Sindoor, carried a powerful symbolic message.
Understanding the Symbolism of ‘Sindoor’ in Operation Sindoor
The name ‘Sindoor’—a red vermilion mark traditionally worn by married Hindu women was chosen with deep meaning. Several women lost their husbands during the Pahalgam attack, many of whom were shot in front of their eyes. One image from April 22 that deeply moved the nation showed a grieving Hindu woman sitting beside her slain husband’s body her face stunned in shock. It quickly went viral, becoming the heartbreaking face of the tragedy.
One such woman, Himanshi Narwal, had been married to Indian Navy officer Vinay Narwal for less than a week. Their honeymoon turned into horror when Vinay was gunned down simply for his faith. His death and the sorrow of many like Himanshi inspired the name “Operation Sindoor“—a tribute to their sacrifice and a promise of justice.
The Indian Air Force’s focused strikes demonstrated both military precision and emotional depth. After the mission, the Indian Army posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“#PahalgamTerrorAttack — Justice is served. Jai Hind!”
#PahalgamTerrorAttack
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 6, 2025
Justice is Served.
Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/Aruatj6OfA
The Indian Armed Forces executed these strikes at around 1:44 AM on Wednesday, targeting terror infrastructure used to plan attacks against India. These included bases linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen—all designated terrorist organizations.
Among the major targets:
- Markaz Abbas in Kotli
- Sarjal camp at Tehra Kalan
- Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur
- Syedna Bilal camp in Muzaffarabad
- Markaz Taiba in Muridke
- Markaz Ahle Hadith in Barnala
- Makaz Raheel Shahid in Kotli
- Mehmoona Joya in Sialkot
Out of the nine locations hit, five were in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and four inside Pakistan.
