Ranchi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Thursday provided a rare glimpse into the strategic and ethical considerations behind India’s military operations, revealing that the first strike of “Operation Sindoor” was carried out late at night specifically to avoid civilian casualties. Speaking to school students in Ranchi, the military chief explained that the decision to strike at 1:00 am on May 7 was a deliberate choice.
General Chauhan stated that while the “best time would have been 5:30-6:00 am,” the morning would have seen increased civilian movement, particularly during the first prayer call. He cited the potential for many civilian casualties in areas like Bahawalpur and Muridke, which the Indian armed forces wanted to avoid. The CDS emphasized that this choice was a testament to the military’s confidence in its own capabilities, as precision strikes for long-distance targets during the night required “special efforts,” including the ability to capture imagery and assess damage in the dark.
Operation Sindoor was launched in May against military and terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack, which had claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. India’s actions destroyed nine terror infrastructures belonging to outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahideen, and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The military operation also resulted in the deaths of over 100 terrorists.
During his address, General Chauhan also lauded the military for its dedication and professionalism, both in combat and in civilian missions. He urged the students to consider joining the armed forces, stating that it is the “only place where there is no nepotism.”
In a separate address last month, General Chauhan had stated that Operation Sindoor “is still on,” sending a veiled warning to Pakistan. He had also emphasized that India, while being a peace-loving nation, should not be mistaken for being pacifist.
The military operation led to four days of intense fighting before Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations reached out to his Indian counterpart, and a ceasefire understanding was reached on May 10.