In a rapid and decisive response to the Pahalgam Islamist attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists by asking which faith they belonged too, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, a daring military operation against nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation is not just a strategic action against terror groups, but also a symbolically assertive action of justice.
Why Operation Sindoor?
The title ‘Operation Sindoor’ has deep cultural meaning in the Hindu Culture. In Hindu culture, sindoor (vermilion) is the solemn sign of a woman’s married state. It signifies the presence of her husband in her life and is more precious to her than anything else. At the time of the Pahalgam attack, it were men who were shot down in front of their wives. Many women saw their husbands brutally killed. By giving the operation the name sindoor, India not only paid respect to the sorrow of these women but sent a harsh message: the people who attempt to deprive Indian women of their sindoor will get their hands dirty.
The Story of Satyavan-Savitri
This sentiment resonates deeply with the tale of Savitri and Satyavan from Hindu History. When Lord Yamraj came to take the life of Savitri’s husband, she followed him fearlessly. With her unwavering devotion and intellect, she compelled Yamraj to restore her husband’s life. The story stands as a timeless testament to the power of a wife’s love and determination. Just as Savitri defied death itself, the spirit of Indian women today stands tall, undaunted, resilient, and unyielding. The sindoor is not just a ritual; it is her honor, her pride, and her power. Anyone who dares to take it away must face the consequences.
During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force made night strikes against nine terror camps. These were major camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The targets like Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, Markaz Taiba in Murdike, and Shwawai Nalla in Muzaffarabad were struck with precision. Four of the nine targets were in Pakistan and five in PoK. Operation Sindoor is not just a military operation, it is a homage to sacrifice, a promise of protection, and an assurance of unwavering determination.