Rajouri, 28 June (H.S.): Operation SINDOOR was a military operation launched by India Armed Forces on the night of 6th/7th May 2025 in response to barbaric terrorist attack on civilians in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025 where individuals were targeted based on their religion with an aim to fracture peaceful coexistence. A total of 27 Civilians including a local pony rider were brutally killed by terrorists.
The Indian armed forces carried out firm, focused, calibrated and non-retaliatory response against terror launch pads all along the western border. During the initial strike 9 terror Camps (04 in Pakistan and 05 in Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir) were destroyed. In response Pakistan Army violated ceasefire all along the frontage and when they received befitting reply from Armed Forces, Pakistan Army targeted innocent civilians in Rajouri and Poonch district resulting in 17 fatal casualties and around 50 injured locals also affecting civil infrastructure, livelihood and husbandry.
Continuing with their rich tradition of bravery, patriotism as has been demonstrated in earlier wars of 1948, 1965 and 1971 and undeterred by personal losses the Awam of Rajouri and Poonch joined hands and worked tirelessly along with the armed forces and emerged victorious at the end of Operation SINDOOR.
The Ace of Spades Division of Indian Army conducted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony at Rajouri to honour brave civilians who played a pivotal role during Op SINDOOR in restoring normalcy. The locals of Rajouri, Poonch, Mendhar, Krishna Ghati, Manjakote and Naushera facilitated casualty evacuation, humanitarian & rescue operations under challenging conditions.
The event was presided over by Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherji, SM General Officer Commanding Ace of Spades Division. The event was attended by senior officers of civil administration, doctors, media personnel, veterans and their families.
A video was screened at the beginning showcasing joint effort and contribution of armed forces and locals in the success of Operation SINDOOR, followed by two-minute silence paying homage to those who laid down their lives including ADDC Rajouri, Shri Raj Kumar Thapa.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
