Pahalgam Attack Was Carried Out by Pakistani Terrorists to Spark Communal Discord, Hit Economy

New Delhi: India on Wednesday unveiled details of Operation Sindoor, its military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. Several others were injured in the brutal assault.

The operation was outlined during a joint press briefing led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, highlighting India's firm stand against cross-border terrorism. The choice of two women officers to address the media was seen as symbolic—reflecting India’s resolve to end terrorism and honour the widows of those who died in the attack.

Pahalgam Attack Was Barbaric and Deliberate

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the Pahalgam attack as one of extreme barbarity, saying it was carried out by Pakistani terrorists with the intention of disturbing peace in Jammu and Kashmir and sparking communal unrest.

“The attack in Pahalgam was marked with extreme barbarity, with the victims mostly killed with headshots at close range and in front of their family members... the families were deliberately traumatised. This was a clear attempt to undermine normalcy returning to Kashmir,” Misri said.

The terrorists, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, were identified after a detailed inter-agency investigation. Officials confirmed that the plan originated from Pakistan’s terror infrastructure, which they said continues to operate with impunity.

India Strikes Back with 'Just and Measured' Response

India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 6 and 7, calling it a "just and measured" military response. It targeted nine terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

The Army, Navy, and Air Force jointly executed the operation, selecting locations linked to top Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders who are accused of sponsoring attacks inside India.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said, “Operation Sindoor was launched to give justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and destroyed successfully.”

“This was India’s strong message to the world, the terror infrastructure across the border must be dismantled,” Misri added.

Pakistan Accused of Misleading Global Community

India also accused Pakistan of misleading the global community on its role in terrorism. Citing the case of Sajid Mir, a key 26/11 handler, Misri said, “Pakistan had declared Sajid Mir dead, but he was later found alive. This is just one example of how Pakistan misguides the world.”

“Pakistan now stands globally identified as a terror-exporting state,” the Foreign Secretary added.

Decade of Terror: Grim Numbers Revealed

A video presentation during the briefing highlighted the heavy toll of cross-border terrorism on India over the past decade. According to the figures:

Over 350 Indian civilians were killed in cross-border terror attacks.

More than 800 civilians were injured.

Around 600 security personnel laid down their lives, and over 1,400 were injured while protecting the country.