First Pulwama anniversary after Operation Sindoor: Modi, Shah lead tributes

Leading the nation in paying tribute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X: “Remembering the brave heroes who laid down their lives in Pulwama on this day in 2019.”

“Their devotion, resolve and service to the nation remain forever etched in our collective consciousness. Every Indian draws strength from their enduring courage,” he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage, saying: “I remember and pay tribute to the valour of our brave soldiers who were martyred in the Pulwama terrorist attack.”

“Terrorism is humanity’s greatest enemy, and India is determined to eradicate it completely. The nation will forever be indebted to the courage, dedication and sacrifice of our security forces and agencies who confront terrorism,” he said.

Pulwama attack in 2019

At least 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed when Pakistan-based militant organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) carried out a suicide attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, on February 14, 2019.

Within days, India responded with airstrikes targeting a JeM training camp in Balakot, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.

Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. As part of the operation, Indian forces conducted precision strikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The situation further escalated after Pakistan allegedly targeted civilian areas along the border, prompting what officials described as a strong and calibrated response from the Indian military.

According to official statements, the nine terror camps were neutralised within 25 minutes. These facilities were described as key training hubs for Pakistan-based terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) said the strikes were aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure allegedly involved in planning and executing attacks against India.