India's strong response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam was called ‘Operation Sindoor’. Under this mission, the Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted strikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

These camps were believed to be the places from where attacks on India were being planned. The name ‘Operation Sindoor’ was chosen to send an emotional and powerful message, symbolizing protection, courage, and the spirit of sacrifice.

Sindoor, or vermillion, is a traditional mark Hindu women wear to show they are married. The name ‘Operation Sindoor’ was chosen as a powerful and emotional reference to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where terrorists killed several men, some of them recently married because of their religion.

Sindoor also symbolizes bravery and pride, as it is often used as a tilak by warriors before going into battle.
In a statement, the Indian Army said: “A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched OPERATION SINDOOR, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where attacks against India were being planned and carried out. Nine sites have been targeted in total.”

According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally approved the name ‘Operation Sindoor’ to give India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack a strong emotional and symbolic message.

Why named ‘Operation Sindoor’

The name became even more powerful after a heartbreaking image from the April 22 attack went viral, it showed a young Hindu woman, Himanshi Narwal, sitting in silent shock beside the body of her husband, 26-year-old Naval officer Vinay Narwal. The couple had been married for less than a week and were on their honeymoon when Vinay was tragically killed in the attack, targeted simply because of his religion.

Himanshi’s pain moved the entire nation. A video of her tearfully bidding farewell to her husband at his funeral touched millions, turning her story into a powerful symbol of the grief and sacrifice faced by many.Naming the mission ‘Operation Sindoor’ not only honoured this emotional moment but also reflected the spirit of protection, pride, and resistance, as sindoor is both a symbol of marriage and of warriors heading into battle.

The name ‘Operation Sindoor’ gives a human face to the Pahalgam massacre, ensuring the victims, like Naval Officer Vinay Narwal are remembered as people, not just numbers. While Pakistan-backed terror groups have long targeted Indian civilians, India’s response was precise and restrained.

 The Indian Armed Forces struck nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, avoiding civilian harm.This operation stands as a symbol of grief, strength, and justice, a tribute to the lives lost and a warning to those who spread terror.