Army Chief Declares Operation Sindoor a Game Changer in Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Significant Shift in India's Military Strategy
On Saturday, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi addressed the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, describing it as a pivotal moment for India's approach to cross-border threats. During a ceremony commemorating Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass, he emphasized that the operation conducted on May 6 and 7 was focused on eliminating high-value targets in Pakistan and its controlled regions in Jammu and Kashmir.
Operation Sindoor: A Direct Response
General Dwivedi stated that the operation was executed with minimal civilian impact and aimed to convey a strong message that those supporting cross-border terrorism would face serious repercussions. He remarked, 'Operation Sindoor serves as a decisive response to Pakistan, ensuring that terrorism against India will not be tolerated.'
Details of the Operation
After honoring the Kargil War martyrs at the War Memorial in Drass, General Dwivedi elaborated on the operation's timeline, revealing that Indian forces targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 6 and 7. He noted that when Pakistan retaliated by targeting Indian civilians and military assets, the Army, Air Force, and Navy collaborated effectively to neutralize these threats. He praised the collective efforts of all military branches, the administration, and NGOs in responding to Pakistan's aggression.
A New Era of Military Readiness
General Dwivedi announced the creation of integrated combat units known as 'Rudra' brigades, which will merge various Army branches, including infantry, armored units, artillery, special forces, and drone operations, all supported by logistics for joint deployment. He mentioned that two such brigades are already operational, marking a departure from the previous system where brigades were organized by specific roles. This change aims to enhance coordination and readiness for future challenges.
Tributes and New Initiatives
Expressing pride and emotion while honoring Kargil martyrs, General Dwivedi stated, 'I feel a deep sense of pride and emotion as I pay tribute to our immortal martyrs who gave their lives for our nation.' He acknowledged the presence of Kargil heroes' parents at the memorial, commending their bravery and sacrifice as a source of inspiration for all.
Additionally, he launched three initiatives to honor the sacrifices made during the Kargil War, including a portal for 'e-shradhanjali' to martyrs, a QR code-based audio gateway sharing stories from the 1999 Kargil battles, and the Indus Viewpoint project aimed at promoting border tourism by providing access to significant battle sites in the Batalik sector.
Commitment to National Security
In conclusion, General Dwivedi reaffirmed the Army's dedication to safeguarding the nation while also contributing to developmental efforts in border regions like Ladakh. He stated, 'Our message is unequivocal: those who threaten our country will not go unpunished.'