In a bold and decisive move following the horrific and deplorable Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor. In the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces executed 24 precision missile strikes targeting nine terror locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). These included key strongholds of terror outfits—Muridke, associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Bahawalpur, linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
In the wake of this strategic operation, Indian Masterminds reached out to the bureaucrats to gather their thoughts and reactions. Here’s what they had to say.
Sandeep M. Tamgadge, IPS, shared, “Terrorism in any form should not be tolerated. India has been bleeding from terrorist activities and losing precious lives for far too long. The cowardly and dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which led to the unfortunate death of 26 civilians, was the last straw. In my opinion, the calculated, measured, and precise attacks by the Indian Armed Forces on terror infrastructure within POK and Pakistan are a fitting reply to the terrorist groups and those who support and shelter them. This sends a clear message: India will no longer tolerate covert and cowardly acts of terrorism.”
Anukriti Sharma, IPS (2020 batch), ACP, Sambhal, said, “The brutal killing of innocent tourists in Pahalgam was Pakistan’s hideous attempt not only to unsettle the Kashmir Valley once again but also to incite communal disturbance across the entire country. Operation Sindoor is a befitting reply to the terrorist state—in a language it best understands. The targeted attacks on terrorist hideouts and training centres, deep inside Pakistani territory, are a testimony to the competence and professionalism of our armed forces. Operation Sindoor marks the beginning of the end—the end of state-sponsored terrorism against India.
Ananth Rupanagudi, IRAS shared, “I believe Operation Sindoor marks a significant advancement over the previous two cross-border strikes in 2016 and 2019. While it may not entirely stop future terrorist attacks in the Kashmir Valley, the messaging behind these precision strikes is crucial. It clearly signals to Pakistan that every part of their territory is within the reach of our missiles, and any such misadventure in the future will be met with even more aggressive action from our side. Hopefully—though it’s hoping against hope—this will serve as a small deterrent, if Pakistan’s establishment has any sense of self-respect or dignity.”
Subham Gupta, IAS, Maharashtra cadre, shared, “The Pahalgam attack was a barbaric and inhumane act of terrorism. India’s response through Operation Sindoor was only fitting. It was not an act of retaliation but a message that no one should dare mess with our country. We are truly proud of our armed forces. Jai Hind.”
Dr Pritpal Kaur (2016 batch) SP, Phek, Nagaland, said, “Zero tolerance for terrorism.”
Varun jain, IFS shared, “Our country is a peace-loving nation, but any act of terrorism must be met with a counter-terror operation to create deterrence. We are proud of the Indian Armed Forces.”
As India grapples with repeated provocations and senseless violence, Operation Sindoor has emerged as a defining moment in the nation’s security doctrine. It is not merely a tactical response but a strategic assertion of India’s resolve to protect its citizens and sovereignty at all costs. The unified voices of India’s civil servants—from the Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service to the Indian Forest Service—reflect a national consensus: terrorism will no longer be met with silence but with strength and precision.
India has sent a clear message to the world: peace is our preference, but security is our priority.
