Ensure smooth functioning of essential services: Amit Shah tells states in security review meet after Operation Sindoor

The meeting was attended via video conferencing by the Lieutenant Governors of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal, and a representative from the Sikkim government.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), including the Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), and Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), were also present.

In the meeting, Amit Shah lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm resolve and decision regarding Operation Sindoor. He stated that Operation Sindoor is a befitting reply to those who dare to challenge India’s borders, military, and citizens.

All Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors present in the meeting congratulated PM Modi and the three armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor.

Shah said that, without ignoring the Pahalgam terrorist attack, an appropriate response was given through Operation Sindoor, sending a strong message to the world.

He said that Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian armed forces against terrorist camps after specific inputs, is a testament to the Modi government's zero tolerance policy against terrorism to the entire world.

The Union Home Minister asked all states to make their preparations as per the guidelines issued for the mock drill. He said that arrangements should be made for the smooth operation of essential services like hospitals, the fire brigade, and the uninterrupted supply of essential goods should be ensured.

He asked the states to keep SDRF, Civil Defence, Home Guards, NCC etc. on alert to deal with any situation.

"Efforts should be made to ensure public participation through citizens and non-governmental organisations," he said.

Shah said that strict vigil should be kept on anti-national propaganda by unwanted elements on social and other media platforms, and prompt action should be taken in coordination with state governments and central agencies.

The Home Minister said that every effort should be made to maintain seamless communication and the security of vulnerable points should also be further strengthened.

He asked the states to stop spreading unnecessary fear among the public and take steps to spread awareness among the people against rumours. He said that coordination between the local administration, the army and the paramilitary forces should be further enhanced.

Operation Sindoor

Nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were targeted and destroyed in 25 minutes of Operation Sindoor, which was conducted from 1:05 am on Wednesday by all three wings of the Indian armed forces.

According to a statement by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the operation was aimed at neutralizing terror camps actively involved in planning and executing attacks against India.

At a press briefing with the Army, India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri said, "The attack in Pahalgam was marked by extreme barbarity, with the victims mostly killed with head shots from close range and in front of their family...the family members were deliberately traumatised through the manner of killing, accompanied by the exhortation that they should take back the message. The attack was clearly driven by the objective of undermining normalcy returning to Kashmir..."

"Our intelligence monitory of Pakistan-based terrorist modules indicated that further attacks against India are impending. Thus, compulsion, both to deter and pre-empt. Earlier this morning, India exercised its right to respond and pre-empt as well as deter more such cross-border attacks.... These actions were measured and non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. They focused on dismantling terrorists' infrastructure."

He added, "It was deemed essential that the perpetrators and planners of the 22nd attack be brought to justice. Despite a fortnight having passed since the attack, there has been no demonstrable step from Pakistan against terrorists' infrastructure in its area."