Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated after India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7. India said they targeted “nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack”.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the operation a legitimate response by India, saying the country’s right to respond appropriately and proportionally. However, he condemned the Pakistani military retaliation, which he stated had adversely impacted civilian lives.
Reactions from political leaders in India have varied, with some expressing strong support for the operation. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi welcomed the strike, stating that the Pakistani deep state must be taught a tough lesson so that another Pahalgam never happens again.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi posted, “Proud of our Armed Forces. Jai Hind!” Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also expressed support, writing that this was a set of calibrated, calculated, precise strikes against terror targets—exactly what he had advocated last week: hit hard, hit smart. He praised both the Indian government and military forces for their strategy.
While the Indian Army has repeatedly stated that the strikes were intended as a strategic, precise action to target terrorist infrastructure, with no civilian casualties expected, Pakistan has accused India of causing harm to ordinary citizens. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the operation as an unprovoked attack and warned of a resolute response from Pakistan.
In retaliation, Pakistan’s military forces conducted firing along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in the death of seven civilians. This has further intensified the already volatile situation between the two neighboring countries.
