News Brief
Operation Sindoor
Despite Visible Proof, Pakistan PM Claims "Victory" After Operation Sindoor And Plans Retaliation
Despite India presenting visible proof of its targeted strikes on terror camps during "Operation Sindoor," Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has framed the events as a victory for his country and is preparing a forceful response.
India released satellite imagery and intercepted communications to demonstrate that its strikes were precise and limited to terror infrastructure, avoiding civilian and military targets. Indian officials emphasised transparency, inviting international observers to verify the evidence.
However, Shehbaz Sharif dismissed these claims, labelling India’s operation as an act of aggression and a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. In public statements, Sharif declared that the Pakistani nation had "thwarted Indian designs" and that the resilience shown by the Pakistani people and military was a "victory in itself."
PM Shehbaz Sharif officially authorised the Pakistan Armed Forces to respond "at a time and place of their choosing". He described India’s operation as a "declaration of war" and convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee.
Congress Shows Support for Armed Forces With Sad Faces After Operation Sindoor
Congress Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi affirmed the party's complete backing for the armed forces that executed Operation Sindoor in Pakistan and PoK.
"We held discussions in the Working Committee. Full support to our forces. Best wishes to them. Much love to them. Complete support from the Congress party and Congress Working Committee (CWC)," Gandhi made the statement with a sad face after an emergency meeting called by party president Mallikarjun Kharge.
With Congress leaders visibly dull expressions, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the party is proud of the security forces for delivering a strong response to Pakistan. "We take pride in our armed forces for courageous, decisive action against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. We are proud of our security forces that carried out 'Operation Sindoor' and gave Pakistan a befitting reply," he said.
Senior party leaders were present at the meeting, including AICC treasurer Ajay Maken, ex-Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, and Randeep Surjewala. Former union minister Anand Sharma and Lok Sabha deputy leader of the Congress Gaurav Gogoi also attended.
Nationwide Mock Drills Under ‘Operation Abhyas’ Amid India-Pakistan Tensions Post Operation Sindoor
As tensions continue to rise between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor—India’s retaliatory strike after the Pahalgam terror attack—mock drill exercises are being conducted across the country today under the codename ‘Operation Abhyas’.
These exercises are part of an extensive civil defence strategy and will be carried out in 244 districts, including key urban centres like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh. These districts have been identified as civil defence zones based on threat assessments.
West Bengal has the highest number of designated districts (32), followed by Rajasthan (28), Assam (20), Punjab (20), and Jammu & Kashmir (20).
The drills are designed to prepare both authorities and citizens for multiple potential emergencies. Scenarios will include:
Simulated air raid alerts with siren activation and blackout procedures
Urban fire response simulations
Search and rescue operations
Casualty evacuation drills
Setups of temporary hospitals
Civic evacuations to designated bunkers or demilitarised zones
Amit Shah Chairs High-Level Security Meet With CMs, L-Gs And Top Officials Amid Border Tensions
Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting with Chief Ministers and senior officials from several states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan, to review the security situation amid escalating tensions.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, and West Bengal.
Also present were the Lieutenant Governors of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGPs) from these states participated in the discussions alongside the Home Minister.
Government Calls An All-Party Meet Tomorrow To Brief Opposition Leaders On Operation Sindoor
Following the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, the government has convened an all-party meeting, set to take place at 11 am tomorrow (May 8).
"Govt has called an All Party leaders meeting at 11 am on 8th May, 2025 at Committee Room: G-074, in the Parliament Library Building, Parliament Complex in New Delhi," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said in a post on X.
Key members of the Cabinet, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, will represent the government at the session.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Modi is headed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan to brief President Droupadi Murmu on Operation Sindoor.
PM Hails Operation Sindoor's Success In Cabinet Meeting: Report
According to India Today report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the armed forces in a cabinet meeting for their precision strikes on nine terror camps and the short time in which the targets were hit post Operation Sindoor.
Talking to his colleagues, he called it a proud moment for everyone and declared, this was a new India.
The name Operation Sindoor, personally chosen by the Prime Minister, is said to symbolise grief and determination, referencing the widows of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
India emphasised the operation was “focused, measured and non-escalatory,” targeting only terrorist hideouts, not Pakistani military assets. “India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution,” read the government’s official statement.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes as a "blatant act of war" and warned of a “befitting reply.”
"No Need To Panic", Says J&K CM Omar Abdullah After India Targets Terror Infra In Pakistan, PoJK
Amid escalating tensions following India's Operation Sindoor, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the public, defending India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack and assuring citizens that the situation on the ground remains stable.
Abdullah said, “It began with Pahalgam, where 26 innocent civilians were killed. The government had promised a befitting reply—and this was the right method to reply. Only terror sites in Pakistan were hit, not any military areas or civilian targets,” as quoted by ANI.
Criticising Pakistan for its actions in response to the operation, the Chief Minister stated, “But Pakistan has bombed some of our areas—our civilians were targeted. They started it, not us. We were living peacefully. We did not start this. None of us want war. We want the situation to improve again, but first, Pakistan needs to lower their guns.”
“There is no need for people to fear. They don't have to run away from here. Schools in Jammu and Srinagar are open, though the airport in Srinagar is shut,” He added.
“Right now, there is no need to panic. There is no shortage of essential commodities, no shortage of supplies in blood banks of hospitals... the highway is open for traffic,” He further said.
CM Omar Abdullah Reviews LoC Security As Amit Shah Directs Enhanced Border Vigil Amid Operation Sindoor
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a high-level meeting with officials to review the security arrangements along the Line of Control (LoC).
During the discussions, he directed authorities to prioritise the protection of civilians and to ensure prompt and effective responses to any emerging threats.
The development follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah's phone conversation with CM Abdullah in light of Operation Sindoor.
The military operation was launched by the Indian Army in retaliation for the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Home Minister Shah is reportedly in regular contact with both Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), closely monitoring the evolving situation.
He has also directed the BSF chief to take all necessary precautions to safeguard the residents of the border regions.
China Calls India’s Military Action ‘Regrettable’
China has described India’s military strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as “regrettable” and called on both New Delhi and Islamabad to remain calm and exercise restraint.
Beijing’s reaction came shortly after India’s defence ministry announced that its armed forces had conducted targeted operations against nine locations in Pakistan and PoK. These strikes were launched in retaliation for the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack.
“China finds India’s military operation early this morning regrettable. We are concerned about the ongoing situation. India and Pakistan are and will always be each other’s neighbors,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in a brief statement responding to an anonymous media query.
“They’re both China’s neighbours as well. China opposes all forms of terrorism. We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation,” the statement added.
India Government Briefs Media On Operation Sindoor: Measured Strike Aimed At Justice And Deterrence
On Wednesday, 7 May, the Indian government officially briefed the media on Operation Sindoor, a pre-emptive counter-terrorism strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the operation was launched in response to the brutal 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, where terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) killed 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali tourist.
"They shot tourists in the head in front of their family members," Misri said, highlighting the inhumanity of the assault.
He further criticised Pakistan for being a safe haven for terrorists and for deliberately misleading global institutions like the Financial Action Task Force. Citing the example of 26/11 accused Sajid Mir, Misri underscored Islamabad’s duplicity in protecting known terrorists.
Misri explained that Indian intelligence indicated further potential attacks, making it necessary to act pre-emptively. "Our actions were measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible," he said.
Indian Air Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh confirmed that nine terror camps were strategically targeted to avoid civilian casualties.
Army Colonel Sofiya Quraishi detailed that the operation commenced at 1:05 am and lasted 25 minutes. The mission was intended to deliver justice to the victims and deter future cross-border terrorism.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha Orders Evacuation Of Border Villages In Wake Of Operation Sindoor
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of Operation Sindoor, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday (7 May) held a comprehensive review of the situation in the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
He instructed District Collectors to initiate the relocation of residents from high-risk border areas to safer locations and to ensure uninterrupted access to all essential services.
"Took stock of the situation in border districts of J&K UT with all the senior administrative, police and district officials including DCs of all the border districts. I'm closely monitoring the situation and government is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality," Office of Lieutenant Governor (J&K) posted on X.
"I've also directed the DCs for shifting of villagers from vulnerable areas to safer locations and ensuring boarding, lodging, food, medicare and transportation. We will ensure safety of every citizen. Jai Hind!"
Families Of Pahalgam Attack Victims Laud Operation Sindoor As Justice Delivered
Families of the victims of the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack have hailed India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor as a powerful act of justice.
The strikes, launched deep into Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), targeted nine terror hubs linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Shubham Dwivedi’s wife thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “This is the real tribute to my husband… Wherever my husband is, he will be at peace today.” His father, Sanjay, expressed relief: “My entire family has been feeling light since we heard this news.”
Manoj Dwivedi, a relative, added, “We were sure PM Modi would take the strictest steps… the Army has given today a real tribute to our son.”
From Maharashtra, Pragati Jagdale, wife of victim Santosh Jagdale, declared, “Modi ji has shown Pakistan that we will not sit quietly.” Their daughter Asavari was moved by the mission’s name: “Those sisters whose sindoor was erased by these terrorists—India has struck them… our tears of joy just won’t stop.”
The victims’ families say the swift military response has restored faith in the government and brought emotional closure after weeks of grief.
Operation Sindoor: India Destroys Nine Terror Camps in Pakistan, PoJK
In a decisive counter-terrorism operation dubbed Operation Sindoor, Indian armed forces launched coordinated precision strikes on nine terror facilities across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) in the early hours of Wednesday (7 May).
The operation, jointly executed by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, targeted hubs terror hubs linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), all of which were receiving logistical, financial, and military support from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally oversaw the mission, which neutralised key terror infrastructure, including camps concealed within health centres and educational buildings.
Among the major sites struck were JeM’s headquarters in Bahawalpur, LeT’s training centre in Muridke—linked to the 26/11 attacks—and HM’s facilities in Sialkot and PoJK.
These camps served as launchpads for infiltration, arms training, drone operations, and radicalisation activities.
Several of them, including the Markaz Taiba and Bait-ul-Mujahideen, were historically financed by global terror networks and supported by Pakistan’s military.
The operation marks a significant escalation in India’s resolve to dismantle cross-border terrorism at its roots.