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Says Op Sindoor still ongoing | Opposition fully back response

A day after the Indian military hit nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir as part of Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed political parties that least 100 terrorists and their associates were neutralised in the non-escalatory strikes.

Chairing an all-party meeting at the Parliament House Complex here, Rajnath also said the operation, a national response after the dastardly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, was “not yet over”.

Quoting the Defence Minister, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju later said, “Raksha mantri told the meeting that it was an ongoing operation, which is why technical details cannot be shared. This was also why officials from the armed forces were not present at the meeting as they were busy with the operation.”

Rajnath also told leaders that while India did not want any escalation, it would respond appropriately should Pakistan launch an attack. He was speaking to politics parties just hours before the Defence Ministry issued a statement confirming that the Indian military had on the night of May 7 and 8 thwarted attempts by Pakistan to engage military targets across 15 locations at home and neutralised an air defence radar at Lahore.

The meeting saw the Opposition fully back the Indian response with Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge saying, “We fully support the government at this time of crisis.”

Though Kharge lamented the absence of PM Narendra Modi from the meeting, he said, “We do not wish to criticise anyone at this trying hour.”

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and CPM’s John Brittas sought a special session of Parliament to send out a message of national resolve after the Pahalgam attack.

Rijiju said the Defence Minister shared details of the non-escalatory operation with the Opposition and other parties and said the strikes were meant to take out terrorists as India exercised its right to respond. He said the armed forces exercised extreme caution and sensitivity not to affect civilians and the operation was focused on select terrorist-training camps operating from Pakistan and the PoK.

Data on casualties from Operation Sindoor was formally shared with the Opposition for the first time, with Rajnath saying that data on further casualties was being collated.

After Wednesday’s operation, the exact number of terrorists killed in the strikes was not immediately known, though estimates ranged from 70 to 100 casualties.

Some opposition members are also learnt to have sought clarity from the government on reports regarding a Rafale jet reportedly being shot down by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and whether the government should counter this propaganda. There was no response from the government on the query, sources privy to the developments said.

Broadly, the Opposition struck a note of unity at the meeting. “In this moment of crisis, we stand with the government. We listened to everything they shared. In the national interest, they said that matters of defence and security are confidential and cannot be fully disclosed. All of us expressed our support and said that during this time, we are with you. Whatever work you are doing, continue with it–we will stand by you in the interest of the nation,” said Kharge.

Rahul said the Opposition fully supported the government. “We gave full support. Some things cannot be discussed. Everyone supported the government,” he said.

Trinamool Congress’ Sudip Bandyopadhyay sought that the PM convene a meeting with all parties on the operation. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi complimented the armed forces and the government for Operation Sindoor and demanded that India should work to get Pakistan added to the Financial Action Task Force grey list and to get The Resistance Force proscribed.

“Across party lines, political leaders said there is no place for politics in such critical times. All leaders unanimously congratulated our armed forces on the success of Operation Sindoor and assured their full support to the government, with no dissent whatsoever,” said Rijiju. Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also attended the meeting.

Residents hear loud bangs, see red balls over the skies as Indian military engages Pakistan’s fresh escalation attempt, this time in a civilian area

Aditi Tandon Arjun Sharma

Tribune News Service

Civil defence drill was activated in Jammu city on Thursday evening after loud bangs were heard at least thrice at a close interval of about 15 minutes.

A complete blackout ensued as counter-measures were initiated.

Residents across Greater Kailash, RS Pora, Chhani Himmat reported hearing massive bangs in and around the city areas quickly followed by a spotting of several red balls in the air.

Akhil Razdan, a resident of Greater Kailash, Jammu, said it looked like a drone or a missile attack “very close to where he lived in Greater Kailash but it was intercepted very quickly.”

Razdan said he lived very close to the airport at a distance of around 7 km.

”I heard a loud bang and thought these were firecrackers. So I went to the terrace to look things up and spotted at least eight red balls in the direction of the bang. It looked like a drone attack from across the border which our air defence systems intercepted. As soon as the red balls were seen, the air sirens went off and there was a complete blackout,” Razdan said.

Vijay Kumar, an RS Pora resident, reported the same sequence of events thrice and said it was still continuing.

Residents of city were left shocked when multiple explosions started in the sky, specifically near Jammu airport and Sunjuwan Camp. At least eight explosions heard over Jammu.

Pakistan drones and missiles were intercepted close to Sunjuwan military base.

Indian air defence units intercepted/blocked eight missiles directed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia.

It was around 8.15 pm when the first wave of drones or missiles started. Red coloured interceptor were seen all around in the sky hitting the targets.

Electricity in entire region was snapped and sirens were activated. Many people were heard screaming as the interceptors hit the targets.

The attacks took place in at least five waves where multiple drones entered the sky of Jammu till 9.30 pm.

The fifth wave started at 9.22 pm.

National resolve amidst rising tensions

Editorial

IN the immediate aftermath of Operation Sindoor — India’s precision strikes on terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir — the government on Thursday projected unity and resolve, even as tensions remain high and retaliatory hostilities continue. In response to attempted strikes by Pakistan, India pre-emptively neutralised missiles aimed at 15 major cities and destroyed a key air defence system in Lahore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-level review meeting underscored the gravity of the situation. Terming this a “sensitive period”, he called for institutional synergy and citizen safety as top priorities. The Whole-of-Government approach — focussing on civil defence, countering disinformation and safeguarding critical infrastructure — signals readiness beyond the battlefield. The directive to ministries to ensure emergency response protocols and operational continuity reflects a sober understanding of hybrid threats, including cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns. Lending equal weight to the day was Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s detailed briefing to an all-party meeting, where he confirmed the neutralisation of at least 100 terrorists. The Opposition, notably the Congress and the AIMIM, displayed commendable maturity, putting aside political divisions to rally behind the national interest. This rare moment of bipartisan consensus sends a strong message to both domestic and international audiences: when India’s sovereignty is challenged, its political fabric holds firm.

However, the larger picture remains fraught. With India stating that it has no intent to escalate but is fully prepared to retaliate, strategic restraint must continue to be balanced with credible deterrence. The emphasis must now shift from tactical victories to strategic stability. In the days ahead, civilian protection, diplomatic messaging and internal security will demand unwavering focus. India must continue briefing global partners and maintain transparency with its citizens, without compromising operational security. Even as Operation Sindoor continues, the unified political posture and institutional alertness offer a template for democratic resilience in the face of external threats.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who flanked Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri along with IAF Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during a press briefing on Operation Sindoor

Satya Prakash Tribune News Service

The achievements of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who flanked Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri along with IAF Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during a press briefing on Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, were specifically acknowledged by the Supreme Court in its February 17, 2020, landmark verdict granting permanent commission to women officers in the Army.

“Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi (Army Signal Corps) is the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multi-national military exercise named Exercise Force 18, which is the largest ever foreign military exercise hosted by India. She has served in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Congo in 2006 where she, along with others, was in charge of monitoring ceasefires in those countries and aiding in humanitarian activities. Her job included ensuring peace in conflict affected areas,” a Bench led by Justice DY Chandrachud (since retired) had said.

The top court had cited Colonel Qureshi as an example of what women can achieve in the armed forces in 2020, more than five years before she famously addressed the press briefing on Operation Sindoor along with Wing Commander Singh. Born in Gujarat’s Vadodara, Qureshi graduated with a Master’s in biochemistry from the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in 1997.

An officer in the critical Corps of Signals, in the past, she had been picked for the role of a military observer in Congo in 2006, besides being part of flood-relief operations in the Northeast. She broke the glass ceiling when in 2016, she became the first woman officer to lead its contingent at the multi-national field training exercise, Exercise Force 18, hosted by India for interoperability in sustaining peace among the ASEAN nations.

Allowing permanent commission to women officers in the Army, it said an absolute prohibition of women short service commission officers to obtain anything but staff appointments evidently did not fulfil the purpose of granting permanent commission as a means of career advancement in the Army. The court said the counter affidavit contained a detailed elaboration of the service rendered by women short service commission officers to the cause of the nation, working shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts.

“Yet, that role is sought to be diluted by the repeated pleas made before this court that women, by the nature of their biological composition and social milieu, have a less important role to play than their male counterparts,” the top court had said.

“Such a line of submission is disturbing as it ignores the solemn constitutional values which every institution in the nation is bound to uphold and facilitate. Women officers of the Indian Army have brought laurels to the force,” it had said.

Pakistan has confirmed that Indian missile strikes targeted Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur, resulting in civilian casualties. The strikes were part of India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in response to the recent Pahalgam attack. Pakistan has vowed to respond at a time of its choosing.

Islamabad [Pakistan], May 7 (ANI): Pakistan’s military on Wednesday confirmed that Indian missile strikes hit three locations inside Pakistani territory – Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and the Ahmed East area of Bahawalpur, the Express Tribune reported.

According to Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the strikes caused the martyrdom of one child, while a man and a woman sustained serious injuries.

During a late-night press briefing, DG ISPR stated, “Some time ago from now, the cowardly enemy India launched air strikes on Subhanullah mosque in Bahwalpur’s Ahmed East area, Kotli and Muzaffarabad at three places from the air.”

He confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force had scrambled jets in response. “All of our air force jets are airborne. This cowardly and shameful attack was carried out from within India’s airspace. They were never allowed to come and intrude into the space of Pakistan.”

Lt Gen Chaudhry added that Pakistan’s response would come at its discretion. “Let me say it unequivocally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing.”

He stated that damage assessments were underway and further updates would be provided when confirmed. Local reports from Muzaffarabad noted a complete blackout following the blasts, as reported by the Express Tribune.

Amid the developments, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that a clash with India is now “inevitable” and could occur “at any moment.”

The strikes come after weeks of heightened tension following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.

India’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Indian Armed Forces had launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

“A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed,” the ministry said.

According to the statement, nine sites were targeted. “Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution,” it said. The ministry added that the operation was launched in response to the “barbaric” terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen.

“There will be a detailed briefing on ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, later today,” the ministry said. Meanwhile, the Indian Army posted on X: “Justice is served. Jai Hind!”

An earlier post from the Army stated, “प्रहाराय सन्निहिताः, जयाय प्रशिक्षिताः” (Ready to strike, trained to win). (ANI)(The story has come from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Tribune Staff.)

Pakistan troops also resorted to numerous ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir

Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

Multiple attacks on Indian territory by Pakistan Armed Forces during the night of May 8-9 were “effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given,” said the Indian Army on Friday morning.

Pakistan launched multiple attacks using drones and other ammunition along the entire Western Border on the intervening night of May 8 and 9. Pakistan troops also resorted to numerous ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given to the CFVs,” the Indian Army said. “We remain committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nation. All nefarious designs will be responded to with force,” the Army said on social media platform X.

Pakistan on Thursday night escalated the military skirmish with India, clearly threatening to widen the conflict. The attacks continued until the early hours on Friday.

Pakistan tried to hit several locations across north India and western India, which have been foiled. India has retaliated and details are awaited.

On Thursday night, the office of the Chief of Defence Staff posted on social media platform X saying “Military Stations of Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu & Kashmir, were targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. No losses. The threat was neutralized by Indian Armed Forces using kinetic and non-kinetic means.”

Defence sources had said eight Missiles from Pakistan directed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia were intercepted by the integrated ‘air defence units’.

Sources said the visuals over Jammu remind us of exactly the ‘Hamas’ style attack on Israel.

Indian intelligence agencies have also informed the government about a meeting that Hamas had with Pakistan intelligence agency ISI.

Last night, the US had tried to de-escalate the matter. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called up Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation, the US state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce had said.

Rubio expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications.

Marco Rubio also spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation.

Grid thwarted escalatory action by Pakistan to target 15 locations in India

Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

The ‘integrated air defence grid’ thwarted an escalatory action and brought down missiles and drones launched by Pakistan to target 15 locations across India last night.

The integrated grid work on two parallels — it ‘tracks’ the threats and plays an ‘offensive’ role that includes launch of missiles to hit the enemy missile mid-air.

For the offensive role, the Russian made S-400 missile system that can track and attack multiple targets is the prime weapon with a range of 600 km. This is aided by a layered air defence system that has multiple units with varying striking ranges. The Akash-NG, Barak, Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system and Spyder can tackle targets at 100 km, 70 km, 30 km and 20 km, respectively. The ‘grid’ also has counter-drone systems, gadgets to carry out spoofing and jamming, which did not allow Pakistan to penetrate.

The S-400, known in IAF service as Sudarshan Chakra, is among the advanced long-range air defence systems in the world. Built by Russia, it is capable of detecting and engaging a wide spectrum of airborne threats, including stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and tactical ballistic missiles. The system employs a network of multi-band phased array radars that offer 360-degree surveillance and can track up to 300 targets simultaneously.

The ‘tracking’ of threats and the dissemination is done through the Integrated Air Command & Control System (IACCS) of the Indian Air Force. It has a node in Punjab and several other places. The IACCS uses a dedicated high-speed optic fibre cable that connects it with a chain of radars and sensors that pick up movement in air from Pakistan.

The information is relayed in real time to various air defence units, called AD in military parlance, spread across the areas facing Pakistan. Once an information is received, the incoming threats are assigned to missiles in real time and is automated.

Reaffirms government’s commitment to operational preparedness, citizen safety

Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service

Mediapersons film the inside of the JeM building after it was hit by Indian missiles in Bahawalpur. REUTERS

In the wake of the evolving situation after Operation Sindoor that targeted terror training camps in Pakistan and PoK, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting on national preparedness.

After an early morning briefing on the situation by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the PM chaired a closed-door meeting with secretaries of various ministries and departments of the government to review national preparedness and inter-ministerial coordination in the light of recent developments concerning national security.

The PM described the current period as “sensitive” and called for continued alertness, institutional synergy and clear communication. He said this was essential as the nation navigates a sensitive period.

The PM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to national security, operational preparedness and citizen safety with the meeting discussing a range of issues, primarily emergency preparedness and security of critical infrastructure.

“Issues discussed included strengthening of civil defence mechanisms, efforts to counter misinformation and fake news and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure,” a PMO statement said.

Modi’s meeting on emergency preparedness was being held parallel to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chairing the all-party assembly at Parliament House Complex, where the Congress and the TMC wanted PM’s presence.

Speaking to secretaries, PM Modi stressed the need for seamless coordination among ministries and agencies to uphold operational continuity and institutional resilience.He reviewed the planning and preparation by ministries to deal with the current situation.

The PMO said secretaries have been directed to undertake a comprehensive review of their respective ministry’s operations and ensure foolproof functioning of essential systems, with special focus on readiness, emergency response and internal communication protocols.

“Secretaries detailed their planning with a whole-of-government approach in the current situation. All ministries have identified their actionables in relation to the conflict and are strengthening processes. Ministries are ready to deal with all kinds of emerging situations,” said the government statement.

The ministries were also advised to maintain close coordination with state authorities and ground-level institutions. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan, senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and secretaries from key ministries, including Defence (RK Singh), Home Affairs (Govind Mohan), External Affairs (Vikram Misri), Health (Punya Salila Srivastav), Information and Broadcasting, Power and Telecommunications.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says no limit could deter the country from the path of safeguarding its sovereignty.

Tribune News Service

Hours before Pakistan climbed up the escalatory ladder in the ongoing conflict with India by striking multiple locations across north India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said no limit could deter the country from the path of safeguarding its sovereignty.

“No limit can deter us from protecting India’s sovereignty. We are fully prepared for responsive retaliations like Operation Sindoor,” said Singh, describing Indian military precision strikes on nine targets in Pakistan and PoK last night as “unimaginable and praiseworthy”.

Singh said India was fully prepared for any escalation. The remarks followed Defence Ministry’s official statement confirming thwarting of Pakistan attempts to engage military targets at 15 Indian locations and the neutralisation of air defence system in Lahore.

Singh today again said in Operation Sindoor, nine terror camps were destroyed in Pakistan and PoK and a considerable number of terrorists were killed. The Defence Minister said India was conscious of its role as a responsible nation exercising great restraint and believes in resolving issues through dialogue. “But if attempts are made to take advantage of this restraint, they will face strong and efficient action,” he said.

Singh was addressing the National Quality Conclave organised by the Department of Defence Production and Quality Assurance Organisation.

The minister said Operation Sindoor was successfully executed because of India’s formidable and professionally-trained armed forces equipped with high-quality equipment.

He said the precision with which Indian military executed the operation without harming any “innocent civilians and with minimum collateral damage” was unimaginable and a matter of great pride for the nation.