We Struck Their Chest

Rajnath Singh Hails ‘Operation Sindoor’ as India’s Biggest-Ever Counter-Terrorism Offensive

By Ajaz Rashid

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to the Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar last week, declared Operation Sindoor as the largest and most decisive counter-terrorism action in India’s history. Addressing Indian Army personnel, Singh emphasized that the operation sent a strong and unequivocal message: India will not hesitate to take bold action in defence of its sovereignty.

The Defence Minister’s visit came in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of several civilians and soldiers. “They tried to wound India’s forehead in Pahalgam,” Singh said, “but we struck their chest.” He paid solemn tributes to the victims of the attack and saluted the soldiers who laid down their lives during the high-stakes operation.

“This is not just a duty-bound visit as the Defence Minister,” Singh said, “I have come here as a proud citizen of this country. Before I am your Minister, I am an Indian — and I am here to express my deepest gratitude to our brave armed forces.”

Calling the situation in the region both “difficult and sensitive,” Singh said the bravery and professionalism displayed by Indian soldiers during Operation Sindoor had inspired national pride. “Under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, your success has filled 140 crore Indians with a sense of honour,” he said.

He lauded the Indian Army’s precision and strategic brilliance in launching retaliatory strikes across the Line of Control, stating that the destruction of Pakistani bunkers and terror infrastructure was executed with such force and accuracy that “the enemy will never forget it.”

Highlighting the discipline displayed during the operation, Singh noted, “In moments of heightened emotion, people often lose control. But you, our soldiers, showed remarkable restraint, clarity, and coordination. You destroyed the enemy’s positions without losing focus.”

Asserting that he was a “messenger of the people of India,” Singh added, “Consider me a postman carrying a message from every Indian citizen — a message of pride, admiration, and unwavering support for our armed forces.”

He described Operation Sindoor not just as a military operation, but as a manifestation of national will. “This is not merely a code name — it is a symbol of India’s resolve to eliminate terrorism. Be it in deep valleys or hidden underground bunkers, we will track down every last terrorist and return victorious.”

The Defence Minister said that this operation marks a turning point in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine. “We are no longer a nation that merely defends. We take decisive action when necessary. This was India’s clearest message to the world yet — we will go to any length to eliminate the threat of terror.”

Referring to Pakistan’s role in the Pahalgam attack, Singh said the attempt to destabilize India had failed. “They wanted to break our spirit and our unity, but we responded with strength and precision. Our message is clear — India will not be intimidated.”

Singh also recalled Pakistan’s earlier promises to curb terrorism from its soil. “Over two decades ago, during the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pakistan pledged in Islamabad that it would not allow its territory to be used for terrorism. But they betrayed us then, and they continue to betray us now. This time, they are paying a heavy price — and that cost will only rise.”

He said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s approach to terrorism has fundamentally changed. “Any terrorist act on Indian soil will now be considered an act of war. The era of restraint is over. Talks and terror cannot go hand in hand. If there are any talks with Pakistan, they will only be about terrorism — and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.”

In his concluding remarks, Singh reiterated his admiration for the courage and commitment of India’s armed forces. “The entire nation stands firmly behind you — with pride, with respect, and with full support. Your bravery is unmatched, and your sacrifices will never be forgotten.”