Mormugao (Goa) [India]: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday said that Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, had sent a powerful global message: terrorism will not go unpunished.
Addressing personnel of the Indian Coast Guard at Mormugao Port in Goa, Dhankhar commended the operation’s precision and adherence to India’s ethos of targeting only terrorist elements, not civilians or state institutions.
“The precise strikes on terror bases in Muridke and Bahawalpur sent a global message: Terrorism will no longer go unpunished,” said the Vice President.
Key Highlights from VP Dhankhar’s Address:
- The airstrikes, launched deep inside Pakistani territory, followed the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians and personnel.
- Nine major terror camps were targeted, including operational bases and training facilities of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
- More than 100 terrorists were eliminated, according to government sources.
- Dhankhar stressed that the coffins of the slain terrorists, escorted by both military and political representatives of Pakistan, were themselves the “proof” of the operation’s impact.
“What a moment of satisfaction and pride for everyone — the high achievement of Operation Sindoor,” he said.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Targeted Strike Against Terrorism
According to an earlier statement from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Operation Sindoor was a calibrated punitive strike carried out in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack and as part of a larger campaign to dismantle terror infrastructure across and beyond the Line of Control.
Key elements of the operation included:
- Airstrikes on nine terrorist hubs in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, including Muridke (LeT HQ) and Bahawalpur (JeM HQ).
- Elimination of key militant leaders and logistical disruption of terror outfits operating with impunity in Pakistani territory.
- Post-strike hostilities included Pakistani retaliation via cross-border shelling and drone attacks, to which India responded with coordinated airstrikes on 11 Pakistani military airbases.
- A mutual cessation of hostilities was announced on May 10, marking a significant moment of de-escalation after weeks of tension.
Infrastructure Development at Mormugao Port
The Vice President was in Goa to inaugurate three major infrastructure projects at Mormugao Port:
- A solar power plant to enhance sustainable energy use.
- A covered dome for coal handling to minimize environmental impact.
- Two harbour mobile cranes to increase cargo efficiency.
Dhankhar applauded the port authorities and defense forces for their contribution to national security and economic growth, while reiterating that India would continue to act decisively against any threat to its sovereignty.