NEW DELHI– Decorated veterans of the Kargil War have hailed India’s tri-services military operation, Operation Sindoor, as a bold and necessary response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The coordinated strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were carried out early Wednesday by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy.
Between 1:05 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., Indian forces launched 24 precision missiles at nine high-value terror sites, including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s headquarters in Muridke and installations in Bahawalpur—locations long regarded as hubs of militant activity.
Naik Deep Chand (Retd.), a Kargil War hero from the Artillery division who lost both legs and a hand in battle, praised the military’s swift and decisive action. Known for his inspirational role during the 1999 conflict, Chand urged the public to show greater respect for the armed forces.
“It’s easy to criticize the military, but remember—these are the people who protect our nation,” Chand told IANS. “Celebrities and politicians get praise, but it’s the soldiers who stand at the frontlines, risking everything for the country. Show them the respect they deserve.”
He applauded Operation Sindoor as a clear and forceful message to India’s adversaries. “This operation sends a strong signal. I also believe the time has come to reclaim PoK. Even foreign governments are now stepping back and calling it India’s internal matter—what clearer signal do we need?”
Brigadier Kushal Thakur (Retd.), who commanded the 18th Grenadiers during the Kargil War and led the famed assaults on Tololing and Tiger Hill, echoed those sentiments. He condemned the Pahalgam massacre not only as a brutal act of terror but also as an attack on the peace and economic revival underway in Kashmir.
“This wasn’t just an attack on tourists—it was an attack on the region’s return to normalcy,” Brigadier Thakur said. “It was designed to undermine Kashmir’s stability and derail India’s efforts to restore prosperity and peace.”
He pointed to recent remarks by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, as further evidence of Pakistan’s destabilizing intentions. “Statements like ‘Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein’ are deliberately inflammatory. This terror attack was meant to disrupt the positive narrative emerging from Kashmir and project instability to the world.”
Brigadier Thakur underscored India’s readiness and past precision operations such as the Balakot airstrikes and the Uri surgical strike as proof of its capability to neutralize threats. He also advocated a multipronged approach—combining military precision with diplomatic isolation of Pakistan on the global stage.
“The number of militants in Jammu and Kashmir is relatively small—perhaps 100 to 150. We can target them with accuracy,” he said. “We should also consider renewed cross-border operations and activate diplomatic pressure with support from international allies.”
With Operation Sindoor, both veterans see not just a tactical military success, but a critical moment for India to adopt a firmer stance on national security.
“Enough is enough,” Brigadier Thakur said. “The time has come for India to take the strongest possible action to ensure long-term peace and stability.” (Source: IANS)
