India Launches Counter-Terror Operation After Pahalgam Attack Linked to Pakistan-Based Group
Akshata Pawar
New Delhi, 7 May 2025 — In a strong response to the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, the Indian government launched Operation Sindoor early this morning to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent further cross-border attacks. The operation comes in the wake of growing concerns over Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism and its failure to take action against known militants.
According to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the primary aim of the Pahalgam attack was to disrupt the region’s progress and economic recovery. “Last year, over 2 crore tourists visited Kashmir. Such attacks are designed to halt development and keep the region backward,” Misri stated.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. This group has previously been flagged by Indian intelligence and was identified as early as December 2023 as a front for LeT operations. Sources indicate that Pakistan has made no credible effort to dismantle such outfits and continues to provide sanctuary to wanted terrorists.
One such example is Sajid Mir, a key planner of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, who was falsely declared dead by Pakistan but later confirmed to be alive. India has repeatedly called out Pakistan for providing safe havens to internationally designated terrorists.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, sparked nationwide outrage. The assailants executed a civilian at close range in front of his family, an act widely condemned as an attempt to reverse the normalization and development in the region. Indian officials have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
During a press briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh confirmed that the mission was based on credible and actionable intelligence. “The operation was carried out with utmost precision to avoid any harm to civilian infrastructure or life,” she said. “Over the last three decades, Pakistan has systematically built terrorist infrastructure. It is a complex web of recruitment hubs, training camps for both initial and refresher courses, and launch pads for handlers. These camps were present both in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) areas. Today’s operation targeted those assets. No civilians were harmed.”
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi emphasized that the objective was not only retaliation but prevention. “This is about India’s right to defend its people and sovereignty. The actions we take are against terrorism. This is a necessary step to neutralize threats and protect our citizens. India is acting in the interest of peace and stability in the region,” she clarified.
Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist bases used for infiltration and training, is seen as a stern message to actors aiding terrorism from across the border. Indian defense officials said the mission would not be a one-off response, and further actions may be taken based on intelligence inputs.
