Army Chief Reflects on Pahalgam Attack Response

Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently shared insights into the military’s strategic response following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam. This attack, which occurred on April 22, resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives. In the aftermath, a decisive military operation known as ‘Operation Sindoor’ was launched in May. During a speech at IIT-Madras on August 4, General Dwivedi elaborated on the strategic decisions made by the armed forces, likening the four-day conflict with Pakistan to a complex game of chess.

Rajnath Singh’s Directive and Military Autonomy

The day after the attack, on April 23, the Chief of Army Staff, along with the heads of the Air Force and Navy, convened with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Defence Minister provided clear guidance, granting the military chiefs autonomy to determine their course of action. General Dwivedi recounted Singh’s emphatic statement, “Enough is enough,” which underscored the urgency for decisive action.

Political Clarity and Morale Boost

General Dwivedi emphasized that political clarity played a crucial role in boosting the morale of the armed forces. He noted that this clarity empowered army commanders to act decisively on the ground. The confidence instilled by political direction was instrumental in achieving their objectives during Operation Sindoor.

Planning and Execution of Operation Sindoor

As public sentiment demanded retribution for the massacre, military leaders engaged in high-level meetings to plan their response. On April 25, they visited the Northern Command to strategize and execute their plan. The operation targeted nine locations, successfully destroying seven and eliminating numerous terrorists.

Prime Minister Modi’s Role and National Unity

The tri-services chiefs presented their plan to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who named it ‘Operation Sindoor.’ This name resonated with the nation, uniting citizens in support of the military’s efforts. General Dwivedi highlighted how this operation galvanized national sentiment and answered public calls for action.

Operation Sindoor: A Tactical Chess Game

Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7 with aerial strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Over 100 terrorists were neutralized during this offensive. Hostilities concluded on May 10 following Pakistan’s request for a ceasefire. General Dwivedi compared the operation to a chess game, where predicting enemy moves was challenging. He described it as operating in a “grey zone,” just short of conventional warfare.