How Do Kargil War Heroes View 'Operation Sindoor'?

New Delhi, May 7 (NationPress) Honored Kargil War veterans voiced their admiration for 'Operation Sindoor', the Indian military's joint-forces strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). They deemed it a courageous and essential reaction to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 innocent civilians.

Initiated in the early hours of Wednesday, 'Operation Sindoor' marked a synchronized offensive by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy.

From 1:05 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., Indian forces launched 24 missiles at nine significant terrorist camps, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke and key sites in Bahawalpur, both notorious hubs of terrorist operations.

Retired Naik Deep Chand, a Kargil War veteran from the Artillery division who lost both legs and a hand due to enemy fire, praised the military's decisive steps against terrorism.

Recognized for his resilience and motivational spirit during the 1999 conflict, he called on citizens to respect and advocate for the armed forces more openly.

"It’s easy to question and blame the security forces. However, it’s the military that safeguards us all. Currently, those very soldiers are engaged in combat. If given the chance, show respect to the Indian Army -- sometimes, muster the courage to salute them," he stated in an interview with IANS.

He underscored that while celebrities and leaders receive accolades, it is the armed forces that genuinely serve at the frontlines.

"The Army is consistently working selflessly for the nation and is wholly devoted to our pride and honor. Our Indian Army is equipped to exhibit every form of strength, and you have exemplified this as well," he remarked, addressing the security personnel.

Praising the strikes as a potent message to India’s adversaries, he asserted, "Our 'Operation Sindoor' delivers a formidable response. Furthermore, I want to emphasize that the time has come for us to reclaim PoK. Foreign governments that previously supported each other have now stated 'this is your internal matter' -- what further indication do we need?"

Brigadier Kushal Thakur (Retd.), who directed the 18th Grenadiers during the Kargil War and led troops in the intense confrontations of Tololing and Tiger Hill, also commended the operation and condemned the Pahalgam massacre that occurred on April 22.

"This assault was not only an attack on tourists but also on the peace that had returned to Kashmir. It aimed to disrupt the prosperity and revival of tourism and business that the region was finally experiencing," he informed IANS.

He suggested that the assault was orchestrated to undermine the perception of normalcy in Kashmir and delegitimize India's efforts globally.

"Recently, Pakistan's Army chief, Asim Munir, made provocative statements, claiming 'Hindus and Muslims are different, our ideologies diverge, and Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein.' This assault aimed to alter the peaceful narrative and persuade the world that Kashmir remains unstable," he expressed.

Brigadier Thakur voiced confidence in India’s military capabilities, referencing past operations such as the Balakot air strikes and the Uri surgical strike.

"The number of militants in Jammu and Kashmir is not substantial -- approximately 100 to 150. They can be targeted precisely. We can also reactivate the Line of Control and conduct focused operations across it. Additionally, diplomatic pressure should be exerted with the backing of international allies to isolate Pakistan," he stated.

He accentuated the necessity for a more assertive national stance. "Now is the time to implement the strictest measures. Enough is enough."