Manama (Bahrain), May 25: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has clarified that Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, was specifically aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the border and not directed against the civilian population of Pakistan. Speaking during an interaction in Bahrain as part of an all-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, Azad emphasized that the operation was a calibrated and precise strike, targeting only terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
“Operation Sindoor was never against the people of Pakistan. Its objective was clear—to strike at the roots of terrorism in Pakistan and PoJK. I commend our armed forces for executing the operation with such precision that no Pakistani civilian casualties were reported. Only terrorists and some of their family members were neutralized,” Azad stated.
He condemned Pakistan’s retaliatory response, calling it reckless and inhumane. “The unfortunate part is that Pakistan, in return, resorted to indiscriminate firing along the borders and deliberately targeted Indian civilians. This kind of aggression is deeply regrettable and exposes Pakistan’s disregard for humanitarian norms,” he said.
Azad, a senior political leader currently engaging with the Indian diaspora abroad, also reflected on India’s consistent efforts across successive governments to maintain peaceful relations with its neighbours. He expressed disappointment over Pakistan’s repeated betrayals of diplomatic goodwill through acts of terrorism.
“Every Prime Minister of India, regardless of political party, has tried to build cordial relations with neighbouring countries, including Pakistan. From initiating bilateral dialogues to extending the hand of friendship, India has always shown maturity. Yet, every such initiative has been followed by terror attacks orchestrated from across the border,” Azad remarked, drawing attention to a long-standing pattern of cross-border hostility.
The interaction in Bahrain was marked by a significant turnout from the Indian diaspora, many of whom voiced support for India’s counter-terror operations and concern over regional stability. Azad’s remarks were seen as a call for global awareness on how terrorism continues to hinder peace efforts in South Asia, and a reminder that India’s military actions are targeted responses to protect its sovereignty and citizens, not acts of aggression against innocent populations.