As India and Pakistan face the most intense escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) in recent years, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) will jointly brief the media on “Operation Sindoor” on Saturday at 10:30 AM, officials confirmed.
The announcement comes amid continued cross-border shelling by Pakistan, which led to the tragic death of senior Jammu and Kashmir officer Raj Kumar Thappa in Rajouri on Saturday.
Omar Abdullah: “No words to express this terrible loss”
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep grief over the loss of the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), who was killed when Pakistani shells struck his residence in Rajouri.
“Just yesterday, he was accompanying the Deputy CM around the district and attended the online meeting I chaired. Today, the residence of the officer was hit by Pak shelling… I’ve no words to express my shock & sadness at this terrible loss of life. May his soul rest in peace,” Abdullah wrote in a heartfelt tribute.
India Responds with “Operation Sindoor”
Sources told media that India launched retaliatory strikes on four Pakistani airbases early Saturday after Pakistan targeted 26 Indian locations, triggering widespread panic and damage in civilian areas like Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla, and Tangdhar.
Though full details remain under wraps, “Operation Sindoor” is said to be a multi-pronged, high-precision operation involving air and ground assets in strategic retaliation to Pakistan’s coordinated attacks.
The upcoming briefing is expected to shed light on:
- India’s operational objectives
- The extent of damage inflicted on Pakistani military infrastructure
- Measures to secure Indian civilian areas amid sustained cross-border aggression
Drone Threats Escalate at Border
The Ministry of Defence also confirmed the presence of armed drones at 26 locations along the International Border and LoC, including Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Ferozpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bhuj.
One such drone targeted a civilian home in Ferozpur, injuring family members. The area has since been sanitized, and India’s counter-drone systems remain on high alert.
“The situation is under close and constant watch… Citizens, especially in border areas, are advised to remain indoors, limit unnecessary movement, and strictly follow safety instructions,” the Ministry said in a statement.