Operation Sindoor: India’s retaliatory action escalates tensions, Pakistan says ‘warlike situation’
New Delhi, May 7, 2025. Following the April 22nd terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 Indian civilians, India launched a retaliatory airstrike in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), dubbed “Operation Sindoor.” The Indian Army carried out airstrikes at a total of nine locations on May 6th and 7th.
The strikes were aimed at targeting bases linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which India blamed for the attack.
Pahalgam Attack: The Shock That Changed Everything
On April 22nd, a horrific terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam, killing 26 innocent civilians. According to investigating agencies, the attack was planned by terrorist organizations operating from Pakistan.
The attack sparked anger in India, and pressure mounted on the government to take stern action. Consequently, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor: Where the Attacks Happened
The Indian Army stated that the operation was “precise and limited” to eliminate terrorist hideouts.
According to Indian sources
- Nine targets were selected, four in Pakistan (Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, etc.) and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Indian Air Force carried out missile strikes similar to surgical strikes.
India claims 31 terrorists were killed, while Pakistan claims 26 civilians were killed and 35 were injured.
Pakistan’s response: “This is a declaration of war.”
The Pakistani government condemned the action, saying India had violated its border and that it was a “warlike act.”
Islamabad claimed that the areas attacked by India were civilian settlements, not terrorist hideouts.
Pakistan demanded an impartial investigation from the international community and stated that it would take “appropriate action” along the Line of Control (LoC).
However, some on social media are sarcastically referring to Pakistan’s potential response as “Operation Tandoor.” This name began trending jokingly on the internet, but Pakistan has not officially confirmed any such operation.
Trends on Social Media Operation Sindoor Turned Into Suhaag Raat
Following the attacks, both “#OperationTandoor” and “#OperationSindoor” trended on Twitter and Instagram.
One user, @ParikPatelCFA, jokingly wrote, “I’m calling it ‘Operation Tandoor’ because India cooked Pakistan.”
Some users even created memes, calling it “Operation Suhaag Raat,” and mocked the word “vermilion” as a connection to marriage.
However, many are criticizing such jokes, saying, “War isn’t a meme, it’s a matter of lives.”
International Response: Appeal for Restraint
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint. He said, “A confrontation between two nuclear powers could threaten not only regional but also global peace.”
Qatar, the United States, and European countries also urged both countries to resolve the situation through dialogue.
India’s stance: “It was necessary to prevent the threat.”
The Indian government maintains that the action was taken in self-defense. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India had concrete evidence that more attacks were being planned in the coming weeks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level security meeting following the incident, attended by all Chief Ministers and military officials.
The government stated that India’s objective is not war, but to eliminate terrorism.
Pakistan’s stance: “Civilians were targeted in the name of terrorism.”
Pakistan alleged that India attacked civilian areas and called the claim that terrorist camps were located there “completely false.”
Islamabad stated that it reserves the right to give an “appropriate response” but does not want to escalate the situation into a war.
The government did not confirm any plans for “Operation Tandoor,” but said the army had been alerted along the LoC.
Confusion and Unconfirmed Claims
Some posts on social media claimed that Pakistan had shot down Indian jets or damaged the Srinagar airbase, but there was no official confirmation.
The media in both countries are circulating varying figures and claims, making it difficult to ascertain the truth.
Expert Opinion: Operation Sindoor Turned Into Suhaag Raat
Security experts say this incident has escalated tensions between the two countries to a new level.
Kashmir, which has been the site of three wars since 1947, remains one of the most dangerous regions in the world.
According to analysts, India has adopted a policy of “pre-emptive strike” as in 2019, further angering Pakistan.
Currently, firing and surveillance have been increased along the borders between the two countries. India maintains that it is solely against terrorism, while Pakistan calls it an attack on sovereignty.
Diplomats fear that if the situation is not brought under control, this tension could escalate into open conflict. The entire sequence of events between “Operation Sindoor” and “Operation Tandoor” demonstrates that India-Pakistan relations remain fraught with mistrust and accusations.
While India is vigilant about its security, Pakistan considers itself a “victim of justice.” It is a significant challenge for the international community to maintain peace and stability between the two nuclear nations.
