Operation Sindoor by India-Pakistan tensions have escalated sharply after Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks targeting key Indian military installations on May 8. The Indian armed forces responded with precision and calm, intercepting all eight missiles aimed at locations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur.
1. Missile and Drone Strikes Neutralized by Indian Air Defence
The Indian Air Defence units successfully intercepted missiles directed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia. Drones were also detected and neutralized across multiple sectors. Sirens and blackouts were activated in Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla, and Kupwara as precautionary measures. Fortunately, no damage or casualties were reported.
2. Retaliatory Strike: Operation Sindoor
This escalation came a day after India conducted Operation Sindoor, a massive airstrike mission that destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes targeted key facilities of terrorist groups like JeM, LeT, and HM at sites such as Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Gulpur.
The mission, conducted between 1:04 AM and 1:30 AM on May 7, was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 Indian lives on April 22.
3. Pakistani Response and Cross-Border Shelling
Shortly after India’s defence operations, Pakistan retaliated with heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), targeting forward villages. At least 12 civilians and one Indian soldier were killed in the shelling. Meanwhile, Pakistan closed airports in Karachi and briefly shut down those in Lahore and Islamabad for “operational reasons.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned India’s actions and warned of a “befitting reply,” while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hinted at possible de-escalation if India shows restraint.
4. High Alert and National Preparedness
India has put 27 northern airports on lockdown for commercial flights until May 10 and suspended 25 international air routes that cross Pakistani airspace. Civil defence drills and blackout exercises have been carried out across major cities to prepare for possible escalation.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that debris from intercepted missiles is being collected as evidence of Pakistan’s direct involvement.
5. Political Unity Amid Crisis
The government held an all-party meeting to brief opposition leaders on Operation Sindoor. In a rare display of unity, parties including Congress, TMC, DMK, SP, BSP, and NCP expressed full support for India’s counterterrorism response.
Many leaders praised the armed forces and emphasized solidarity in the face of external threats, reinforcing the nation’s resolve to counter terrorism decisively.
Conclusion: Situation Tense But Under Control
India’s swift response to Pakistan’s missile and drone attacks highlights the readiness of its air defence and intelligence systems. While the situation remains tense, the government is maintaining high vigilance and has reaffirmed its commitment to national security. Operation Sindoor has sent a strong message against cross-border terrorism, while efforts toward de-escalation remain cautiously open.
At least 27 airports across northern India were closed for commercial flights until May 10, following India’s targeted strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir early on Wednesday. India also shut 25 international flight routes that allow aircraft to enter Indian airspace and overfly Pakistan.
Mock drills for effective civil defence and blackout exercises were held across several states and Union Territories.
The government has convened an all-party meeting on Thursday to brief them about the strike carried out by the armed forces targeting terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the armed forces’ Operation Sindoor drew adulation from opposition leaders across party lines as they sent out a message of unity and expressed resolve to stand with the government on national security.
The Congress, Left parties, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) hailed the action in unison while asserting their wholehearted support to any step to cull terror.
Also Read: Pakistan Shuts Airspace Over Lahore, Islamabad After India’s Operation Sindoor Strikeshttps://themorningnewsinformer.com/pak-airspace-closed-after-sindoor/
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