India has exercised its sovereign right to respond to heinous acts of terror originating from across the border, the government stated on Wednesday, hours after Indian armed forces launched precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
At a press conference on Operation Sindoor, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, flanked by Colonel Sophia and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, emphasized that India’s response to the recent Pahalgam attack was “measured, calibrated, and non-escalatory.”
“Our objective was clear—to dismantle and decimate terror infrastructure across the border,” Misri said, noting that the operations were carried out with surgical precision and resulted in no collateral damage.
Calling Pakistan a “safe haven for terrorists,” Misri accused the neighbouring country of continuing to shelter terror groups despite widespread international condemnation. He cited the case of Sajid Mir, a key 26/11 conspirator, as a stark example of Pakistan’s duplicity.
“Pakistan had claimed Sajid Mir was dead. Only after sustained international pressure did they ‘resurrect’ him and place him under arrest. This is among the most glaring examples of Pakistan’s complicity in protecting terrorists,” he remarked.
Misri also described the Pahalgam massacre as a premeditated attempt by Pakistan-based elements to disrupt the growing peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Last year, over 23 million tourists visited J&K. This surge in tourism threatens those invested in separatism. Fearing the erosion of their influence, they orchestrated this barbaric attack,” he added.
The Foreign Secretary said the attack had provoked deep anger, not only in Jammu and Kashmir but across the country. He noted that India initially pursued diplomatic channels to hold Pakistan accountable, but ultimately resorted to targeted military action.
“Today, with Operation Sindoor, India has demonstrated its resolve to eliminate terror at its roots—precisely, decisively, and responsibly,” Misri concluded.
(With IANS inputs)