On the seventh day of the Monsoon Session, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Lok Sabha, unveiling the government’s robust response to the Pahalgam terror attack. His statement detailed two major counter-terror operations—Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev—executed to bring justice to the victims and send a strong message to Pakistan-based terror outfits.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: A National Tragedy
The brutal Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred on April 22, left 26 civilians dead, including tourists and local government officials. The massacre, carried out in Baisaran Valley, was claimed by the Resistance Front (TRF), but Indian intelligence traced its roots to Lashkar-e-Taiba, operating with backing from across the border.
The incident sparked outrage across India, highlighting security vulnerabilities and demanding immediate government action.
Operation Sindoor: Strategic Cross-Border Strike
Amit Shah announced that Operation Sindoor involved precision missile and drone strikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes were carefully timed to minimize civilian casualties—scheduled during prayer intervals and halted after key targets were neutralized.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh later confirmed in the Rajya Sabha that more than 100 terrorists were eliminated in the strike, and emphasized that India is prepared to resume military action if provoked again.
Operation Mahadev: Domestic Crackdown on Pahalgam Attackers
Concurrently, Operation Mahadev was launched within Jammu and Kashmir to track down the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam massacre. Acting on real-time intelligence, Indian forces killed three top Lashkar operatives: Suleman alias Faizal, Afghan, and Jibran.
Shah confirmed that forensic analysis of seized weapons, along with Pakistani voter ID cards and materials, directly linked these terrorists to the April attack. The operation was a joint effort by the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police.
Opposition Questions, Government Defends
The Parliament saw fierce exchanges following Shah’s speech. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi questioned the government’s intelligence failure that allowed the attack, and demanded accountability for the breach.
Priyanka Gandhi criticized the lack of security arrangements in Pahalgam and pressed for clarity on compensation for victims’ families. Shah, in turn, condemned former Home Minister P. Chidambaram for calling the attackers “homegrown,” stating that such rhetoric undermines India’s stance on cross-border terrorism.
Public Reactions and Victim Family Statements
The families of victims, particularly from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Dombivli, and Thane, expressed gratitude for the swift military action. Many stated that the death of Suleman Shah, the alleged mastermind, brought a sense of closure and justice.
Why These Operations Matter
- Operation Sindoor showcased India’s capacity for strategic, cross-border retaliation with minimal collateral damage.
- Operation Mahadev reflected India’s growing efficiency in domestic counter-insurgency efforts.
- The swift action demonstrated political will and operational coordination between military and intelligence agencies.
What’s Next: Awaiting PM Modi’s Address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to speak later in the session, possibly outlining long-term security reforms, support for victims, and enhanced intelligence protocols.
Conclusion
Amit Shah’s detailed breakdown of Operation Sindoor and Mahadev sends a clear message: India will not tolerate terror—whether on home soil or across its borders. While political disagreement surfaced in Parliament, the broader takeaway is one of decisive action, strategic precision, and a renewed national focus on security and accountability.
As the Monsoon Session of Parliament continues, eyes now turn to the Prime Minister’s anticipated address and how India will continue to evolve its counter-terrorism strategy in the face of persistent cross-border threats.
Photo Credit: NDTV
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