On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, former Punjab Directors General of Police (DGPs) on Thursday, 7 May praised the military action as a decisive and successful Indian response to cross-border terrorism, while calling for sustained public vigilance and continuous security preparedness to counter evolving threats from Pakistan. The tributes were voiced from Chandigarh, with both former top officers speaking to the national significance of the operation.

Operation Sindoor: What the Former DGPs Said

Former Punjab DGP S.S. Virk described the operation as a direct and effective retaliation to the Pahalgam incident, noting that the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted deep strikes inside Pakistani territory, inflicting significant damage on groups responsible for terrorist activities. "In response to earlier events in Pahalgam, the Government of India carried out Operation Sindoor inside Pakistan. It was a successful operation. During this, the Indian Air Force conducted strikes deep inside Pakistani territory and caused significant damage to groups involved in such activities," Virk told IANS.

Virk added that the impact of the operation was acknowledged internationally and even within the Pakistani media, lending it a credibility that went beyond India's own official narrative.

The Call for Public Awareness and Historical Memory

Virk stressed the importance of collective memory in preventing future tragedies. "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. To ensure that such a massacre never happens again in the future, we must remember that tragedy as well and pay tribute to those who lost their lives. We must also remember Operation Sindoor," he said.

He further urged citizens to remain alert so that "Pakistan does not dare to carry out such acts again in the future" — framing public vigilance as an essential component of national security, not merely a governmental responsibility.

Drone Warfare and Evolving Security Challenges

Former Punjab DGP Sanjiv Kalra praised the multi-departmental coordination that underpinned the operation, describing it as a point of national pride. "As Indians, we are proud that we accomplished this. I personally witnessed how different departments were involved, made aware, and prepared. We did a very good job," Kalra told IANS.

Kalra highlighted a significant shift in the nature of modern warfare that Operation Sindoor brought into sharp focus — the use of drones and air technology. "For the first time, we witnessed drones being used, and preparing for drones requires a completely different kind of readiness. This kind of preparation has to remain continuous," he said.

He cautioned that security preparedness can never be considered complete given rapidly evolving technology, underscoring that public participation is now integral to any modern defence posture. "The kind of battle we are talking about cannot be fought without public involvement. The nature of warfare has changed everywhere," Kalra added.

Significance of the First Anniversary

The first anniversary of Operation Sindoor arrives as India continues to assess the long-term security implications of the cross-border strikes. The operation, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, represented one of the most significant military actions by India against terror infrastructure on Pakistani soil in recent memory. Notably, both former DGPs emphasised that the lessons of the operation — particularly around drone preparedness and civil-military coordination — must be institutionalised rather than treated as a one-time achievement.

As security agencies continue to monitor the border situation, the anniversary serves as a reminder that the threat landscape remains fluid and that India's counter-terrorism posture must evolve accordingly.