‘Operation Sindoor’ was national assertion to safeguard citizens: Maj Gen KaushikMukherji

Jammu, Jun 29: The Ace of Spades Division of Indian Army conducted a felicitation ceremony at Rajouri on June 27 to honourRajouri-Poonch’s prominent individuals, who played a pivotal role during “Operation Sindoor” in restoring normalcy.

25 prominent individuals from various walks of life, who were felicitated for their immense contribution during Operation Sindoor. General Officer Commanding Ace of Spades Division, Maj Gen KaushikMukherji presided over the event, also attended by senior officers of civil administration, doctors, media personnel, veterans and their families.

In his address, the General Officer highlighted that ‘Operation Sindoor’ was not merely a military operation, it was a national assertion that India would safeguard its citizens, dismantle threats and act with definite resolve and precision. He commended all civilians for their exemplary contribution during ‘Operation Sindoor’ offering critical support when the country needed it most thus ensuring that the fabric of society was not broken.

It was stated that the locals of Rajouri, Poonch, Mendhar, Krishna Ghati, Manjakote and Nowshera facilitated casualty evacuation, humanitarian and rescue operations under challenging conditions. Support through constructing civilian bunkers, dual-use shelters, casualty evacuation, stockpiling essentials and conducting civil defence drills witnessed across Rajouri and Poonch district was indeed commendable.

The General Officer assured the gathering that Indian Armed Forces would always stand by its resolve to maintain sovereignty, territorial integrity and continue to uphold age-old bonhomie that exists between the Indian Army and civil populace.

Earlier a video was screened at the beginning showcasing joint effort and contribution of armed forces and locals in the success of Operation Sindoor, followed by two-minute silence paying homage to those who laid down their lives including ADDC Rajouri, Raj Kumar Thapa.

The event concluded with reaffirmation of mutual trust and cooperation between the Indian armed forces and the local population underscoring the shared commitment towards peace, security and national integrity.

Operation Sindoor was a military operation launched by India Armed Forces on the night of May 6 and 7, 2025 in response to a barbaric terrorist attack on civilians in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025 where individuals were targetted based on their religion with an aim to fracture peaceful coexistence. A total of 26 Civilians including a local pony rider were brutally killed by terrorists.

The Indian armed forces carried out a firm, focused, calibrated and non-retaliatory response against terror launch pads all along the western border. During the initial strike 9 terror camps, 4 in Pakistan and 5 in Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir, were destroyed. In response Pakistan Army violated ceasefire all along the frontage and targetted innocent civilians in Rajouri and Poonch district resulting in 17 fatal casualties and around 50 injured locals also affecting civil infrastructure, livelihood and husbandry. “Continuing with their rich tradition of bravery, patriotism as has been demonstrated in earlier wars of 1948, 1965 and 1971 and undeterred by personal losses the people of Rajouri and Poonch joined hands and worked tirelessly along with the armed forces and emerged victorious at the end of Operation Sindoor,” it was stated.