During a press address at the Jodhpur Circuit House on June 4, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria expressed strong support for the symbolic naming of ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s military retaliation following the Pahalgam terror attack. He stated that associating the operation with “sindoor” — a traditional symbol of womanhood and marital dignity — has elevated the nation’s respect for women.
Kataria remarked, “It’s a matter of good fortune that this operation was named ‘Sindoor’. Across Indian history, battles like the burning of Lanka or the Kurukshetra war were also rooted in defending a woman’s honor. This name continues that legacy.”
He strongly endorsed the Indian government’s response to the terror attack on May 22, which claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kataria, the nation had demanded a stern response, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered exactly that. “Modiji said they’d face consequences they never imagined, and with strategic brilliance, he ensured every terror base was wiped out — hundreds of terrorists eliminated in one move,” the governor said.
The governor also acknowledged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Indian Army for acting decisively and praised them for being given a free hand to operate. He emphasized that India’s forces carried out the mission with remarkable coordination and precision, achieving complete destruction of targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
However, Kataria didn’t shy away from criticizing internal dissenters. He drew a parallel to historical betrayals, calling out those who support hostile ideologies while residing in India. “The nation has never faltered because of a lack of bravery — we stumble when our own people become traitors. That’s the real misfortune,” he said, referencing “Jaichands” — a historical figure often associated with betrayal.
India initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7 in direct response to the Pahalgam terror strike. The operation targeted multiple terror launch pads and later expanded to hit Pakistani airbases following cross-border aggression. The confrontation ultimately de-escalated after Pakistan’s military leadership contacted India’s Director General of Military Operations seeking a ceasefire.
Kataria concluded by reinforcing that India’s action was justified and symbolic, a statement of strength, justice, and cultural pride.
