By Col Bhaskar Bharti (Retd)
It has been some action-packed days of ‘Operation Sindoor’ launched decisively by India, after the ghastly terror attack at Pahalgam. India’s unity has been prominently highlighted during ‘Operation Sindoor’, both at the government and societal levels. This unified national posture served as a powerful signal of India’s resolve, resilience, and rising strategic maturity.
India’s Unity During ‘Operation Sindoor’
1. Political Consensus Across Parties
- Despite routine political rivalries, major opposition parties stood behind the government on the decision to strike terror camps in Pakistan.
- Parliament saw rare bipartisan support with public statements from leaders across the spectrum reaffirming India’s right to self-defence.
- This mirrored the national solidarity seen post-Uri and Balakot strikes.
2. Military and Civilian Synchronisation
- The armed forces operated with complete inter-service coordination and Jointmanship between the Air Force, Army, and Navy.
- Civil aviation and disaster management authorities were activated, showing seamless civilian-military integration.
3. Public Support and Resilience
- Mass candlelight marches, social media solidarity campaigns, and nationwide observances for the victims of the Pahalgam attack reflected a unified public mood.
- Citizens refrained from spreading misinformation, encouraged verified news, and rallied behind the armed forces.
4. State-Level Coordination
- Chief Ministers across party lines pledged support for national security.
- Border states like Punjab, J&K, Gujarat, and Rajasthan activated local emergency protocols without political hesitation, emphasising federal unity.
5. Media and Messaging Discipline
- Leading national media platforms took care to avoid inflammatory or divisive rhetoric, focusing instead on verified facts and national interests. Though more attention still is required from digital media.
- Indian diplomacy also projected a coherent and consistent message globally, defending the strikes as anti-terrorism, not anti-nation.
Significance of this Unity
- Boosted national morale and gave strategic weight to India’s actions on the global stage.
- Strengthened India’s diplomatic position by demonstrating domestic political and social stability.
- Sent a clear signal to adversaries that internal divisions cannot be exploited during times of national crisis.
Paradigm Shift in Jammu & Kashmir seen during Operation Sindoor
The paradigm shift in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) during Operation Sindoor reflects a transformation in how the region responds to terror threats and national security operations. This shift highlights greater integration with the Indian state, local support for counterterrorism efforts, and a decline in separatist sentiment. The subtle shift visible as under:
1. Public Outrage Against Terrorism
- The Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians triggered widespread condemnation across Kashmir.
- For the first time in decades, Kashmiri civil society, youth groups and religious leaders publicly denounced the attack and demanded action.
- People increasingly see terrorism as anti-Kashmir and not just anti-India.
2. Local Cooperation with Security Forces
- Residents of South Kashmir reportedly provided real-time tip-offs on suspicious movement post-attack.
- Locals assisted in evacuation drills, offered shelter during curfews, and even guarded schools and civil assets.
3. Absence of Pro-Pakistan Protests
- Unlike in the past, no significant pro-Pakistan or separatist demonstrations occurred after India launched retaliatory strikes.
- Social media in the Valley showed a shift from martyr glorification to mourning of civilian victims and support for peace.
4. Political Realignment
- Mainstream parties like National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) cautiously backed the government’s anti-terror stance, recognising the growing public fatigue with violence.
- They also demanded stronger crackdowns on cross-border infiltration, aligning with national sentiment.
5. Enhanced Role of J&K Police
- J&K Police played a frontline role alongside the Army and paramilitary, highlighting trust and capability.
- Their increased involvement signals a localisation of security enforcement, reducing reliance on outside forces.
6. Development Agenda Continued
- Even amid tensions, schools, exams, and infrastructure work continued, showcasing a resilience and normalisation not seen in previous crises.
- There was no general shutdown or hartal, which were once routine after any military operation.
Strategic Significance of These Shifts
- Indicates a mature, politically aware Kashmir, increasingly rejecting violence.
- Reflects the success of post-Article 370 integration efforts, focusing on governance, youth engagement, and infrastructure.
- Sends a clear message to Pakistan and the world that Kashmir is not a conflict zone, but a partner in peace and security.
(The author is an Indian Army veteran. He is an alumnus of NDA & IMA and had an illustrious military career of 33 years. He is based in Dehradun.)
