In a significant military response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally selected the name for India’s retaliation operation, now known as ‘Operation Sindoor.’
Sources have confirmed that PM Modi played a key role in deciding the name ‘Operation Sindoor’ for the operation targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, which was successfully carried out, aimed to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border.
The name ‘Operation Sindoor’ holds deep symbolic meaning, especially among Hindu women. Sindoor (vermilion), traditionally applied to the forehead by married Hindu women, is a potent symbol of marriage. This symbolism was carefully chosen to honor the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians, mostly Hindu men, were killed. These victims were specifically targeted due to their religion and shot at close range by terrorists.
The horrific attack took place on April 22 in Pahalgam, where a group of armed terrorists ambushed a group of holidaying tourists at the Baisaran meadows. Among the victims, several were newly married and had come to Kashmir for their honeymoon. Tragically, some of the men were killed in front of their wives and children.
According to sources, the name ‘Operation Sindoor’ was finalized as a tribute to the families who lost their loved ones in this brutal attack. A visual shared by the Indian Army features the name ‘Operation Sindoor’ written in block letters, with the letter ‘O’ depicted as a bowl of vermilion, some of which is spilled over, symbolizing the cruelty of the terrorists. The accompanying caption reads: “Justice is served. Jai Hind.”
The operation has struck a deep emotional chord with the families of the victims, as well as with Army veterans. Many have praised the name and the operation as a fitting tribute to the widows and families who suffered immense losses in the attack.
Colonel Abhay Patvardhan (Retd) spoke exclusively to IANS about the operation, stating that ‘Operation Sindoor’ was perfectly named to honor the victims and their families. He explained that it reflects the government’s commitment to not only counting the casualties but also recognizing the emotional pain of those who lost their loved ones. He further emphasized that this humanizes the tragedy, acknowledging the feelings and sentiments of the affected families.
Brigadier Uday Kumar W Deshmukh, SM (Sena Medal), VSM (Retd.), also praised the operation, stating that the Indian Armed Forces are fully capable of holding Pakistan accountable for its role in sponsoring terrorism. He added that the military could tighten the pressure further on Pakistan if the country does not alter its approach to terrorism.
One of the grieving family members, Aarti, a mother of twins, shared her emotional response to the operation. Aarti had witnessed her 68-year-old father, Ramachandran, being gunned down by terrorists during the attack. She expressed gratitude for India’s retaliation, saying, “Even though our loss can never be compensated, we are happy about what has happened when India hit back at Pakistan.” She added, “India has hit back at the correct time, and it was the moment we all waited for.”
The family of Shubham Dwivedi, one of the 26 civilians killed in the April 22 Pahalgam attack, also expressed their heartfelt thanks to PM Modi and the armed forces for ensuring justice. Shubham Dwivedi, a 30-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, was visiting Pahalgam with his wife and sister-in-law when he was shot in the head by the terrorists. His wife, Ashanya Dwivedi, expressed her sincere gratitude, saying, “I would like to sincerely thank everyone who is connected to this operation, especially our personnel in the armed forces and especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally looked after the operation.”
She further stated, “The name ‘Operation Sindoor’ clearly shows they stand with us, those who lost their husbands. Whatever the Prime Minister said, he proved it. Wherever terrorism exists, it will be eliminated.”
