May 22, 2025 marks one month post the dastardly terror attack of April 22 at Pahalgam, which resulted in selective killing of 26 tourists, mostly Hindus. The national outrage, unprecedented anguish of 140 crore Indians and the global condemnation of the terror attack was something which was never experienced before. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, which was a precision strike on nine known terror hubs of Pakistan. More than 100 terrorists, including some prominent terrorist leaders were killed and their terror infrastructure was completely destroyed.
When Pakistan escalated the conflict, India retaliated in even stronger manner, destroying 11 Pakistani airbases, from Sargodha to Sialkot between May 7 to May 10, 2025. India destroyed Pakistani radar stations, air defence network and terror infrastructure on the LOC. India’s response was measured, calibrated and non-escalatory which specifically avoided civilian targets. India’s military response was so severe that Pakistan had to seek ceasefire in less than four days of conflict, in which no Indian soldier even crossed the LOC and the IB. In my opinion, the first phase of Operation Sindoor would count as one of the most brilliant military victories ever. Even the US military analysts have recognised the worth of Operation Sindoor and have recommended it as a case study for their military.
While the rest of India has celebrated India’s outstanding military victory over Pakistan, there has been unnecessary political wrangling in the last one week or so. The diplomatic offensive through seven all party delegations to expose Pakistan as the epicentre of global terrorism is another welcome step in the last one month. Prime Minister himself visited Adampur airbase on May 13 and Nal airbase, Bikaner on May 22. PM Modi has set a ‘new normal’ of India’s response to terrorism and once again given a stern message to Pakistan. Thus, in the last one month, India has demonstrated the strongest will, both militarily and diplomatically, to deal with any terror attack on its soil.
There has been some murmur that we have not been able to apprehend or kill three Pak sponsored terrorists responsible for the heinous crime against humanity on April 22. It is surprising that such voices are being raised by a section of political parties. The next of kin of those killed have expressed their satisfaction that Operation Sindoor has avenged the death of their near and dear ones.
As a military professional, who has past experience of dealing with such situations, I would like to put the apprehension/killing of the suspected terrorists in the correct perspective. It is amply clear that the Pahalgam terror attack was a well planned by the Pakistan Army and highly trained terrorists were earmarked for this operation. The terrorists received support and logistics from the Over Ground Workers (OGWs), in the vicinity of Pahalgam. Since the terrain around Baisaran valley of Pahalgam is dense jungles surrounded by mountains, it is possible for the terrorists to slip away undetected.
I look at three options about these terrorists. One is that they have sneaked back into POJK with the help of local guides and OGW network. It is possible that they may have been killed in our precision strike on the terror hubs on May 7 night. The second option is that they are hiding somewhere in South Kashmir with changed appearances and new identity. In that case, it is only a matter of time before they are neutralised. The third possibility is that Pakistan military themselves have eliminated them once they came back inside the POJK. This possibility cannot be ruled out as Pakistan would not like them to be presented by India as the evidence towards their direct involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. But I know for sure that the life of a terrorist is short lived and it is only a matter of time when they are neutralised if they are hiding in any part of the country.
In the last one month, India has further strengthened its resolve for the final showdown with Pakistan, if it makes the mistake of another terror or military misadventure against us. PM Modi has said that only military action has been halted against Pakistan and Operation Sindoor continues. India has already settled the nuclear blackmail of Pakistan, with its calibrated and precise strike ability in any part of Pakistan. Therefore, it is important for India to remain united under the leadership of PM Modi till Pakistan capitulates completely. Our unity is the nation’s biggest strength in all our future victories. Jai Bharat!
