Srinagar, May 15 – Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Srinagar on Thursday to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. His visit comes after India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and rising tensions with Pakistan.
This is Singh’s first visit to the region since the operation and the ceasefire agreement signed on May 10.
Tribute to Fallen Soldiers and Civilians
Speaking at Badami Bagh Cantonment, Singh addressed Indian soldiers and praised their courage. He paid tribute to the 26 people who died in the Pahalgam attack and to the soldiers who lost their lives in Operation Sindoor.
“I bow to the supreme sacrifice of our brave jawans. I also pay my respects to the innocent civilians who were killed in Pahalgam,” he said.
Singh expressed deep pride in the armed forces and said he was there not only as a Defence Minister but also as a citizen of India.
High-Level Security Meeting in Delhi
Before visiting Srinagar, Singh attended a Cabinet Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. The meeting focused on the security situation following the temporary halt of Operation Sindoor.
Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior officials were also present. They reviewed India’s defence readiness and response measures.
Impact of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 to strike terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and PoK. It was India’s direct response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, including both civilians and soldiers.
Jammu and Kashmir saw heavy military action during the four-day confrontation between India and Pakistan. Singh praised the armed forces for their bravery and said the entire country stands with them.
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Defence Boost with BrahMos Facility in Lucknow
On Sunday, Singh virtually inaugurated the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow. The facility is a major step under the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC).
Singh highlighted that the centre has already created 500 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs. He called it a milestone for India’s push toward self-reliance in defence.
“This is not the first time India has responded strongly to terrorism. From Uri and Balakot to Operation Sindoor, we’ve shown the world our resolve,” he said.
India’s Stand Against Terrorism
Singh reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. He thanked the armed forces for their decisive action and said the country would continue to stand firm against any threats.
“On behalf of the nation, I thank our armed forces for giving a strong reply to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor,” he added.
