Diplomat Correspondent
Rajouri : DD, Operation SINDOOR was a military operation launched by India Armed Forces on the night of 6th/7th May 2025 in response to barbaric terrorist attack on civilians in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025 where individuals were targeted based on their religion with an aim to fracture peaceful coexistence.
A total of 27 civilians including a local pony rider were brutally killed by terrorists.
The Indian armed forces carried out firm, focused, calibrated and non-retaliatory response against terror launch pads all along the western border. During the initial strike 9 terror Camps (04 in Pakistan and 05 in Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir) were destroyed.
In response Pakistan Army violated ceasefire all along the frontage and when they received befitting reply from Armed Forces, Pakistan Army targeted innocent civilians in Rajouri and Poonch district resulting in 17 fatal casualties and around 50 injured locals also affecting civil infrastructure, livelihood and husbandry.
Continuing with their rich tradition of bravery, patriotism as has been demonstrated in earlier wars of 1948, 1965 and 1971 and undeterred by personal losses the Awam of Rajouri and Poonch joined hands and worked tirelessly along with the armed forces and emerged victorious at the end of Operation SINDOOR.
The Ace of Spades Division of Indian Army conducted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony at Rajouri to honour brave civilians who played a pivotal role during Op SINDOOR in restoring normalcy.
The locals of Rajouri, Poonch, Mendhar, Krishna Ghati, Manjakote and Naushera facilitated casualty evacuation, humanitarian and rescue operations under challenging conditions.
The event was presided over by Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherji, SM General Officer Commanding Ace of Spades Division.
The event was attended by senior officers of civil administration, doctors, media personnel, veterans and their families.
A video was screened at the beginning showcasing joint effort and contribution of armed forces and locals in the success of Operation SINDOOR, followed by two-minute silence paying homage to those who laid down their lives including ADDC Rajouri, Raj Kumar Thapa.
In his address, General Officer highlighted that Op SINDOOR was not merely Military Operation it was a national assertion that India will safeguard its citizens, dismantle threats and acts with definite resolve and precision.
He commended all civilians for their exemplary contribution during Op SINDOOR offering critical support when the country needed it most thus ensuring that fabric of society is not broken. Support through constructing civilian bunkers, dual-use shelters, casualty evacuation, stockpiling essentials and conducting civil defence drills witnessed across Rajouri and Poonch district was indeed commendable.
25 prominent individuals from various walks of life were facilitated for their immense contribution during Operation Sindoor.
Locals who attended the event during informal interaction thanked the Armed Forces for their efforts during the operation and ensured continuous support in future endeavors.
The General Officer assured the gathering that Indian Armed Forces will always stand by its resolve to maintain sovereignty, territorial integrity and continue to uphold age-old bonhomie that exists between Indian Army and civil populace.
The event concluded with reaffirmation of mutual trust and cooperation between the Indian armed forces and the local population underscoring the shared commitment towards peace, security and national integrity.DD
