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First Post
19-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Pahalgam probe revealed communication nodes of terrorists, handlers in Pakistan: MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs told a parliamentary committee that the initial probe into the Pahalgam terror attack has revealed 'communication nodes' of terrorists with their 'masterminds in Pakistan'. read more Indian security officers inspect the site in Pahalgam where militants indiscriminately opened fired at tourists on Tuesday, Pahalgam, Indian controlled Kashmir, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has told a parliamentary committee that the initial investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack has revealed that the attackers were in touch with their handlers in Pakistan. In a presentation before the panel, the ministry said the probe had identified 'communication nodes' between the terrorists and their 'masterminds in Pakistan.' The nature of the attack bore 'footprints and tracks' similar to previous strikes claimed by The Resistance Front, which the MEA described as another name for the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ministry asserted that Pakistan's role as a sanctuary for terror groups is 'well established' and backed by credible evidence. It also dismissed Islamabad's accusations that India was responsible for killings on Pakistani soil—allegations termed 'extra-judicial' and 'extra-territorial'—as baseless and lacking any factual support. It is meant to draw a false equivalence between the two countries to suggest that both neighbours are victims of cross-border terrorism which is not the case, it said in the presentation. UN-designated terrorists roam freely in Pakistan and continue to incite violence against India, the ministry said in its presentation to the Standing Committee on External Affairs headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. The Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes early on May 7 at nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's Muridke base. The strikes were conducted under Operation Sindoor two weeks after the execution-style killing of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudasir Ahmed, were eliminated during Operation Sindoor, according to the Indian military. India and Pakistan reached an agreement on May 10 to halt military actions after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following the pause, the Union government formed seven delegations comprising 51 political leaders, parliamentarians and former ministers cutting across party lines who will travel to world capitals to put across India's resolve to tackle terrorism. With inputs from agencies
News18
15-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
BJP Links India's 2007 T20 Win Over Pakistan To Operation Sindoor, Shares Clip
Last Updated: The BJP shared a throwback video of the cricket match between India and Pakistan, where India triumphed in a dramatic bowl-out News18 The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday took a playful jibe at Pakistan, linking India's victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup to Operation Sindoor, India's military action in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam. In a social media post on X, the BJP shared a throwback video of the cricket match between India and Pakistan, where India triumphed in a dramatic bowl-out. In the 31-second video clip, the BJP cheekily wrote, ' Kuch aisa tha (Something like that)," referring to Team India's success over Pakistan in that bowl-out. The match had ended in a tie, and, with no Super Over rule in place at the time, a bowl-out was used to decide the winner. The clever and timely comparison comes against the backdrop of the recent military operation by the Indian Armed Forces, Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the death of 26 civilians. On May 7, India carried out a series of precision airstrikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes were a direct retaliation against the attack and were intended to eliminate terrorist elements in the region. Following the Indian strikes, Pakistan attempted several retaliatory attacks against Indian military bases in the subsequent days, leading to intense cross-border tensions. The situation de-escalated after an agreement between India and Pakistan on May 10, ending four days of heightened military action. According to the Indian military, over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets like Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudasir Ahmed, were eliminated during Operation Sindoor. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: May 15, 2025, 23:57 IST
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
From Gaza to Bahawalpur: How Pakistan is following terror playbook of Hamas and Hezbollah
Image credit: AP India's Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, launched a precise and targeted strike on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The mission came in direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 26 people, including tourists and a Navy officer, were killed by terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba 's offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF). The Indian military targeted entrenched camps of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen using precision-guided munitions, SCALP missiles, and loitering drones. Over 100 terrorists were eliminated, including high-value operatives like Yusuf Azhar and Mudassar Khadian. Notably, India avoided Pakistani military sites, signaling surgical intent and restraint. Why it matters Operation Sindoor marks a significant evolution in India's counterterror doctrine, with New Delhi asserting it will now meet terrorism with calibrated military force. Just as Israel targets Hamas infrastructure in Gaza and Hezbollah networks in Lebanon, India has begun dismantling the Pakistani deep state's proxy militias. Using civilians as human shields: A terror strategy lifted from Gaza and Lebanon During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan employed a particularly egregious tactic: Using civilian aircraft as shields to constrain India's air defense responses. On May 8–9, Pakistan launched about 300–400 Turkish drones targeting many Indian sites, including civilian areas, while keeping air corridors open. During a government briefing, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that Pakistan used civilian airliners from Lahore to mask drone activities, compelling India's air defenses to act cautiously to ensure civilian safety. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: 1 simple trick to get all TV channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo FlightRadar24 data too confirmed commercial planes in Pakistani airspace near the border, with no official suspension of flights at airports like Lahore, despite delays and cancellations. This method is eerily similar to Hamas's tactics in Gaza, where command centers have been found beneath Al-Shifa Hospital, and to Hezbollah's use of residential neighborhoods for missile storage in southern Lebanon. These tactics deliberately blur the line between combatants and civilians-intending to provoke retaliatory fire that can be spun as 'civilian casualties.' But Pakistan's use of international air routes escalated the risk, potentially involving foreign nationals. State-backed proxy warfare Just as Iran supports Hamas and Hezbollah for its regional ambitions, Pakistan uses LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen as proxies to wage asymmetrical warfare against India. Operation Sindoor hit key nerve centers-like JeM's Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur and LeT's Markaz Taiba in Muridke-used for training, indoctrination, and operational planning. According to government sources, JeM commander Abdul Rauf Asghar-a close associate of Masood Azhar-oversaw operations from Bahawalpur. In a chilling detail, Masood Azhar later admitted that 10 of his family members were killed in the strikes-underscoring how deeply the terror and familial networks intertwine. Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin didn't mince words: 'The fact that Pakistani officers in uniform attended the funeral of terrorists shows there is no differentiation between a terrorist and a member of the ISI or Pakistani armed forces.' Zoom in Jonathan Spyer of the Middle East Forum told ANI: 'These organizations have a similar ideology and practice… It's quite feasible that ISI is reaching out to Hamas, and it's worthy of further investigation.' Evidence points to cooperation between JeM and Hamas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to reports, Hamas officials addressed a 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' rally in Rawalakot this year alongside LeT and JeM cadres. JeM's Narowal center is known to host Hamas-style training in paragliding and tunneling. Officials also revealed that JeM's Bahawalpur HQ stored Nato-grade arms smuggled from Afghanistan, including M4 rifles, sniper gear, and night vision devices. These assets are not typically available to non-state actors-indicating support networks stretching across regions and regimes. Propaganda, denial, and international spin After Operation Sindoor, Pakistan's information warfare machinery swung into action. ISPR director general Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry attempted to downplay the deaths, presenting senior LeT operatives like Hafiz Abdul Rauf as 'civilians.' But the attempt backfired when publicly available US sanctions data matched the ISPR's own description. Pakistan also claimed that India struck the Neelum Jhelum hydroelectric dam-a claim Indian officials called 'absolute fabrication.' This type of denial and inversion of facts mimics Hamas and Hezbollah propaganda playbooks, where every strike is framed as an attack on civilians rather than military or terror targets. Between the lines India's response wasn't just tactical-it was symbolic. It showcased a new security doctrine that resembles Israel's posture toward asymmetric threats: hit first, hit smart, and stay within legal and strategic boundaries. Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said bluntly: 'Pakistan went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a scared dog with its tail between its legs.' He added: 'There is absolutely no spin that the Pakistani military can put on what occurred... they lost very, very badly.'
India.com
13-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
What India Achieved With Operation Sindoor: From Terror Camp Elimination To Strategic Red Line
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians lost their lives. Addressing the nation on the eve of 12th May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear that 'OPERATION SINDOOR' is not just a name but is a reflection of the feelings of millions of people in the country and an unbroken pledge of justice. He said, 'We remain committed to taking strong steps to safeguard India and its people. On the battlefield, we have always defeated Pakistan, and this time. Operation Sindoor has added a new dimension.' As Operation Sindoor is now on hold due to an understanding between India and Pakistan following a military-level escalation, here's what India achieved with the strategic operation: Nine Terror Camps Eliminated: India successfully destroyed nine major terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), targeting Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen facilities. Over 100 terrorists were killed in action. Cross-Border Precision Strikes: India redefined the rules of engagement, striking deep into Pakistan's heartland, including Punjab province and Bahawalpur, once considered out of bounds even for U.S. drones. India made it clear: neither the LoC nor Pakistani territory will remain untouched if terror originates from there. A New Strategic Red Line: Operation SINDOOR drew a new red line- if terror is state policy, it will be met with a visible and forceful response. This marked a shift from deterrence to direct action. Equal Punishment for Terrorists and Their Sponsors: India rejected the artificial separation between terrorists and their backers, striking both simultaneously. This ended the impunity enjoyed by many Pakistan-based actors. Exposure of Pakistan's Air Defence Weaknesses: Indian Air Force bypassed and jammed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied air defence systems, completing the mission in just 23 minutes using Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs, demonstrating India's technological edge. India's Air Defence Superiority Displayed: India's multi-layered air defence, including the indigenous Akashteer system, shot down hundreds of drones and missiles. This also showcased India's growing capabilities in exporting advanced defence systems. Precision Without Escalation: India avoided civilian or non-terror military targets, showcasing its zero-tolerance for terror while containing the situation from escalating into full-scale war. Elimination of Key Terror Commanders: Multiple high-profile terrorists on India's most wanted list were neutralized in a single night, crippling key operational modules. High-value targets eliminated include Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, Mudassir Ahmad. These individuals were linked to the IC-814 hijack and the Pulwama blast. Airstrikes on Pakistani Military Installations: On May 9–10, India became the first country to strike 11 airbases of a nuclear-armed nation in a single operation, destroying 20% of Pakistan's air force assets. High casualties were inflicted at Bhoolari Airbase, including the death of Squadron Leader Usman Yusuf and the destruction of key fighter jets. Coordinated Tri-Service Action: The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force worked in full coordination, demonstrating India's growing joint military prowess. A Global Message Delivered: India showed the world that it does not require anyone's permission to defend its people. It reinforced the idea that terrorists and their masterminds can't hide anywhere, and if Pakistan retaliates, India is prepared for a decisive counterstrike. Widespread Global Support: Unlike in previous conflicts, this time, multiple global leaders backed India, rather than calling for restraint. The shift showed India's improved global standing and narrative control. Kashmir Narrative Reframed: For the first time, India's actions were seen purely through the lens of counter-terrorism, with the Kashmir issue completely decoupled from the strike narrative. This was made possible by the precision and clarity of Operation SINDOOR.
Hindustan Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
India's triumph over Pakistan: From military dominance to economic growth
There is no doubt that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's religion is India and the security and welfare of all Indians. A true patriot, he is man of his word and commitment. Having assured the nation that the 'conspirators and perpetrators' of the cowardly Pahalgam attack 'will face the harshest response', he promptly took the initial steps of suspending the Indus Water Treaty, asserting dominance on the Line of Control and international border, sealing the Attari border, expelling Pakistani officials, and sending back Pakistani nationals besides halting visa facilities, India launched Operation Sindoor, a meticulously planned, calibrated and non-escalatory military operation to destroy nine major launchpads of the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This dealt a blow to Pakistan's terror apparatus and neutralised high-value targets, such as Yusuf Azhar, a senior JeM operative and brother-in-law of Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar, wanted for the 1999 IC814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack. The key terror camps were in Muridke and Bhawalpur, which were reduced to rubble. The strikes were so precise that they avoided military facilities to minimise the risk of escalation or any civilian casualties and neutralised over 100 terrorists. These camps are known to the international intelligence community as well. The Indian Navy kept its Pakistan counterpart at bay and confined it to its coastal waters. Striking at the heart Thereafter, when Pakistan launched a swarm of drones and missiles targeting Indian cities, religious places, and educational institutions, they were ably intercepted and destroyed by our air defence system. As a reprisal, India, in a coordinated attack, struck at Pakistan's heart, read air bases, military infrastructure and air defence systems. India struck 11 major Pakistani air force bases at Noor Khan in Chaklala, Rafike, Murid, Sukur, Sialkot, Pasroor, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bhulari and Jacobabad. We also attacked their command centres, logistic hubs, drone launchpads and aircraft shelters. Noor Khan is Pakistan's key logistical artery in Rawalpindi. Rafike and Sargodha are major hubs of the PAF, Skardu is a launchpad for its high-altitude operations, Chunian and Pasroor are staging grounds for drone sorties and Bhulari and Jacobabad are forward deployment bases critical for rapid mobilisation. India shattered Pakistan's frontline air defences and crippled its combat readiness. The Pakistani army also suffered significant casualties with 35 to 40 jawans killed. We could achieve precise pinpoint hits because we have digital maps and have surveyed every area of this region. Our indigenous NavIC satellite system, the Al-enabled Akash Teer and BrahMos, proved most effective. We downed most of their drones reportedly with our legacy guns that were upgraded to modern systems. It is all thanks to the Prime Minister's Atmanirbhar Bharat effort that we displayed this high level of proficiency in technology which has taken the world aback. With their military infrastructure shattered and demolished, this was sufficient damage to break rogue state Pakistan's back and get them to request for a ceasefire. It is surprising that everyone wants evidence of Pakistan's involvement because it is an evil master of denial. They denied having anything to do with the Mumbai attacks that killed 175 people on November 26, 2008, till Ajmal Kasab was caught alive. They even denied knowing where Osama Bin Laden was until he was found in a military encampment not far from a Pakistani airbase. Two-fold purpose achieved National interest now demands that having achieved our objective, our focus is on taking our economy further forward, an economy that is one of the fastest growing in the world and, in the words of the International Monetary Fund, 'the only bright spot in the otherwise dark horizon'. Having pulverised Pakistan, using indigenous technology, we can now commend ourselves as a new regional superpower – an Atmanirbhar Bharat, a Shashakt Bharat, a Swabhiman Bharat and an Ekatma Bharat. Here lies the accomplishment of a determined government that wants India to be one and secure and which is committed to the safety and welfare of its citizens. Having ably proved this, it is now time to return to the path of becoming the third largest economy of the world – a Viksit Bharat – very soon. rpachnanda@
