Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed opposition leaders on Thursday that over 100 terrorists have been killed in Operation Sindoor — India’s military response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Pakistan-backed terrorism. Speaking during an all-party briefing, Singh emphasised that Operation Sindoor is still underway, signaling that Indian forces remain prepared for any further escalation from Pakistan.
Singh assured that India does not wish to escalate the situation but made it clear that any hostile action would be met with a decisive and forceful reply.
While official confirmation is awaited, there are emerging reports that Pakistan may be considering a military response. However, the opposition extended its unequivocal support to the government’s counter-terrorism efforts. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters, “We heard what they said... they also said some information had to remain confidential. We said, ‘We are all with the government’.”
The all-party meeting was described as cordial, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju noting that all attendees conducted themselves with maturity and refrained from political point-scoring.
Initial government estimates released Wednesday evening stated that 70 terrorists had been killed in the strikes. Subsequent updates confirmed that over 100 had been neutralized. According to sources, the targeted strikes significantly damaged terrorist infrastructure in the affected areas.
Operation Sindoor was executed as a highly coordinated, 25-minute military strike involving precision-guided munitions, including SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs. The operation struck nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The targets included headquarters and training camps of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed — both designated terrorist organizations. A proxy linked to Lashkar was reportedly responsible for the recent Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, mostly civilians. Jaish-e-Mohammed was behind the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing, which claimed the lives of 40 Indian soldiers.
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Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, during a press briefing on Wednesday, stated that the targets were selected based on credible intelligence and confirmed links to cross-border terrorism. She clarified that no Pakistani military facilities were attacked, and the operation was carefully timed to avoid civilian casualties.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, who also addressed the media, said the Indian military remains fully alert in anticipation of any retaliatory action by Pakistan.
The Pahalgam attack, which triggered Operation Sindoor, occurred two weeks ago at a popular tourist site in Jammu and Kashmir. The assault claimed the lives of 26 individuals — all men, including a 70-year-old retiree — many of whom were killed at point-blank range and in front of their families. The brutality of the incident sparked international outrage.
India has accused Pakistan’s intelligence establishment of being involved in the attack, citing concrete evidence. Pakistan, however, denied the allegations and called for an international investigation. At a recent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan faced intense scrutiny over the continued operations of terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba from its territory.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India has also implemented a series of non-military measures against Pakistan. These include suspending certain categories of visas and placing the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance.
The treaty governs the distribution of the Indus River and its five tributaries between the two countries and is vital to Pakistan’s agricultural output, supporting nearly 80 percent of its farms. Pakistan labeled the suspension an “act of war” and responded by putting the 1972 Simla Agreement — which outlines the Line of Control — on hold.
Since the Pahalgam incident, Pakistan has engaged in daily cross-border shelling. So far, 13 people — including one Indian soldier — have been killed in areas across the Line of Control, such as Uri, Kupwara, Baramulla, and Akhnoor. The Indian government has affirmed that the Army is delivering a proportionate response to each act of aggression.
Also Read: Opposition backs Centre at all-party meet on Op Sindoor
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