Union Home Minister Amit Shah Wednesday praised two recent counterterrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, saying they had delivered a decisive message to terrorists after the Pahalgam attack in April that left 26 people dead. Speaking at a ceremony honouring the Army, the Central Reserve Police Force and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Shah said Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev had restored public faith in security forces and demonstrated that “the masterminds of terror” would face consequences for targeting Indian civilians.
“Operation Sindoor brought satisfaction among people, which Operation Mahadev transformed into confidence,” the Union Home Minister said. “In a joint Operation Mahadev, the Indian Army, CRPF and J&K Police have neutralised three terrorists who were involved in the Pahalgam terror attack,” he added.
Pahalgam attack response
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. Security forces carried out Operation Sindoor in May, targeting “terror hideouts and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir”. Through Operation Mahadev, the security forces in July eliminated the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam carnage, he said.
The National Investigation Agency said that using forensic analysis, those killed in Operation Mahadev were the perpetrators of the attack. “Our soldiers showed the world that no matter what strategies terrorists adopt, they can no longer hurt India and escape,” Shah said.
Tourism and security
Shah said the attack took place when tourism was at its peak. “The Pahalgam attack was a failed attempt to derail the ‘Kashmir Mission’,” he said. He also underlined the role of the J&K Police, saying that alongside the Army and paramilitary forces, the J&K Police now plays a leading role in the fight against terrorism.
“Whether from the ruling party or the opposition, everyone felt joy and enthusiasm about operations Sindoor and Mahadev, and expressed gratitude towards the security forces,” Shah said.
He added: “This very trust in national security is the foundation for India’s aspiration to achieve the highest position in the world in every field. On behalf of Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and the entire nation, I congratulate the security forces for strengthening the sense of security in the hearts of Indian citizens.”