Pahalgam Tourists Hail ‘Operation Sindoor’, Demand More Strikes on Terror Camps

Standing tall in Pahalgam—tourists back ‘Operation Sindoor’ and call for a terror-free tomorrow. (ANI Video Grab)

In the aftermath of the Indian Armed Forces' decisive response to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, tourists visiting the scenic hill town have expressed overwhelming support for the military’s action under Operation Sindoor and are now calling for continued strikes to wipe out terrorism from its roots.

The brutal attack, which left 26 civilians dead and dozens injured, had sparked national outrage and mourning. In a bold retaliation, the Indian Army on May 7 launched missile strikes on nine terrorist targets spread across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These included Jaish-e-Mohammad’s main base in Bahawalpur, Lashkar-e-Taiba’s hub in Muridke near Lahore, and multiple other camps in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Sialkot, and Barnala.

One of the high-value targets hit was a Hizbul Mujahideen facility in Mehmoona Joya, a region in Sialkot that has long been under intelligence watch. The strikes, planned with surgical precision, sent a strong message about India’s zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism.

Tourists, who had returned to Pahalgam with some apprehension, were seen expressing both pride and pain—saluting the victims and praising the armed forces for restoring a sense of safety. Many said they had come not just for the serene beauty of the Lidder Valley but also to stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

One tourist from Mumbai told ANI, “We are visiting Pahalgam fearlessly because we trust the Indian Army. But another Operation Sindoor must be carried out. Terrorism should be finished once and for all.”

Another visitor, visibly emotional, added, “I salute those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack, but I have full faith in our armed forces and those leading the country. They will do what needs to be done.”

Operation Sindoor, named after the vermilion worn by married Hindu women, is symbolic of the deep loss experienced by the women who lost their husbands in the attack. It is both a tribute and a statement of justice—aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and preventing future attacks.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addresses the media regarding 'Operation Sindoor', in New Delhi. Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and PoK under 'Operation Sindoor', in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. (Image: PTI)

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, described the mission as a carefully planned military operation aimed at sending a strong and uncompromising message against cross-border terrorism.

As the valley tries to heal and move forward, tourists in Pahalgam have become the voice of national sentiment. Their call for another operation echoes what many across the country feel—that decisive and continued action is necessary to ensure long-term peace and to secure India’s borders from persistent threats.

(With inputs from ANI)