‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh tweets after India launches 'Operation Sindoor'

On May 6, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor', carrying out precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were conducted in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam attack in which 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepali national, lost their lives. The government confirmed that the operation was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” and aimed only at terrorist infrastructure, avoiding any Pakistani military targets.

As the news broke, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media to express his support for the Armed Forces. He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “भारत माता की जय! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!”

भारत माता की जय!

May 6, 2025

The strikes reportedly targeted terror camps located in areas such as Muzaffarabad and Kotli in PoK. Multiple explosions were heard, and reports indicated disruptions in power supply across parts of Muzaffarabad.

Pakistan condemned the operation, calling it an “act of war.” The Pakistani military claimed to have shot down two Indian fighter jets and reported three civilian deaths, including a child, along with several injuries. Pakistan also issued a statement saying it would retaliate at a time of its choosing.

The April 22 attack in Pahalgam had targeted a group of tourists visiting the Baisaran Valley. According to reports, the attackers singled out individuals based on religion. The Resistance Front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility but later retracted its statement.

Following the attack, India also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed its airspace to Pakistani carriers. In return, Pakistan suspended visas for Indian citizens and barred Indian aircraft from its airspace.

Also read: Operation Sindoor: Indian Armed Forces strike 9 terror targets in Pakistan, PoK