In a notable deviation from the unified tone adopted by the Congress leadership, senior party leader Rashid Alvi on Wednesday raised concerns over the effectiveness of Operation Sindoor, questioning whether “every single terrorist” had been eliminated during India’s retaliatory precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
Speaking to media, Alvi said:
“Much better reply needs to be given, this is bare minimum. Our forces did what the Government of India told them to do, but the question again arises—was every single terrorist killed? Will there not be another Pahalgam? PM Modi had said that the remaining land of terrorists will be destroyed… if that has happened, then it is good.”
Alvi’s Remarks Contrast with Kharge’s Stand
Alvi’s cautious tone stands in contrast to the resolute support extended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who hailed the Indian Armed Forces for their “resolute resolve and courage” in conducting Operation Sindoor.
In his statement, Kharge asserted:
“India has an unflinching National Policy against all forms of terrorism emanating from Pakistan and PoK. We are extremely proud of our Indian Armed Forces who have struck terror camps… National unity and solidarity is the need of the hour.”
Kharge also reaffirmed that since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, the Congress has categorically stood with the Government and Armed Forces for any decisive action against terrorism.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Coordinated Strike
As part of Operation Sindoor, India launched deep strikes using special precision munitions to destroy nine terror camps: four in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Sialkot in Pakistan, and five in PoJK. The operation, jointly carried out by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, was closely monitored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi throughout the night, according to sources.
Targets were chosen to eliminate top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives known for orchestrating terror plots against India.
Political Unity with Exceptions
While most political leaders, including those from the Congress, AAP, and other opposition parties, have commended the armed forces and stood behind the government’s action, Alvi’s statement introduces a cautious note, potentially reflecting internal debate over the adequacy of India’s counter-terrorism responses.
Conclusion
Rashid Alvi’s remarks underscore that while national unity remains the broader narrative, political voices demanding greater accountability or clarity on long-term impact and deterrence strategy still persist. The government, meanwhile, has maintained that the strikes were measured, focused, and successful, aimed at neutralising infrastructure rather than escalating conflict.