ALucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 23: Celebrated lyricist and screenwriter Manoj Muntashir has come out strongly in support of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, urging the public and political class to unite in honouring the valour of the armed forces.
Speaking to the media, Muntashir emphasized the unprecedented national unity that Operation Sindoor has evoked. “For the first time, I have seen the entire nation come under the national flag. The armed forces gave a befitting reply to the terrorist attack,” he said. He added pointedly, “When will we celebrate it, or will we keep on raising questions?”
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reportedly resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The offensive came in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.
Muntashir also addressed skepticism surrounding the multi-party delegation dispatched to engage with international leaders in countries including Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore. The delegation’s mission is to present India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism and rally international support.
Critics had questioned the rationale and composition of the delegation, to which Muntashir responded, “If there was no all-party delegation and only one party was sent, the question would have been inevitable. But now, everyone was consulted, and we selected representatives to present India’s case globally. What’s the issue now?”
He defended the move as a necessary projection of national consensus, underlining that “the country’s strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism” must be clearly conveyed to the world.
On the ceasefire declared on May 10, Muntashir clarified that it does not imply the operation has concluded. “Ceasefire does not mean Operation Sindoor has stopped… If Pakistan does not give up its cowardice, then Operation Sindoor may end only after the destruction of Pakistan,” he stated forcefully.
Operation Sindoor marks one of India’s most intensive cross-border responses in recent years, involving precision strikes on radar installations, communication centres, and airbases across 11 locations in Pakistan, following retaliatory shelling and drone attacks initiated by Pakistan.
Final Thought:
Manoj Muntashir’s remarks highlight a broader sentiment sweeping across India—a call for unity and pride in the nation’s defence forces amidst ongoing challenges posed by terrorism. As diplomatic and military efforts continue, the national and international response to Operation Sindoor is poised to shape India’s evolving security narrative.