Over 100 Terrorists Believed Killed in Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Briefs All-Party Meeting
In a high-level all-party meeting convened in the wake of rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is reported to have informed political leaders that at least 100 terrorists are estimated to have been neutralized in precision strikes carried out by the Indian Armed Forces on terror camps located within Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
This marked the second all-party meeting held in less than a week, reflecting the gravity of the national security situation and the need for bipartisan consensus.
The meeting was called to brief political leaders from across the spectrum on “Operation Sindoor”, the military response launched by India following the brutal killing of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam last month.
Political Unity in the Face of an External Threat
The meeting witnessed rare political unanimity, with leaders from both ruling and opposition parties standing together in unequivocal support of the government’s efforts to respond firmly to cross-border terrorism.
Sources who attended the meeting said that leaders across party lines lauded the armed forces, expressed appreciation for the swift and strong action taken under Operation Sindoor, and assured the government of unconditional support in all actions it might take to ensure national security.
This show of political solidarity was viewed as a critical signal, not only to the citizens of India but also to adversaries across the border, that India’s response to terrorism transcends political differences.
Details of the Briefing
According to multiple sources present at the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh provided a detailed overview of the ongoing military operation.
He is believed to have informed the gathering that preliminary intelligence and ground assessments suggest that no fewer than 100 terrorists, including several high-ranking and battle-hardened operatives, were eliminated in targeted air and ground strikes launched over the past two days.
Singh reported and emphasised the strategic precision of the operation, noting that the strikes had specifically targeted terrorist infrastructure, including training camps, launch pads, logistics hubs, and ammunition dumps. He added that these attacks had significantly degraded the operational capability of terrorist groups operating from across the border.
However, the Defence Minister refrained from sharing detailed operational information, citing the ongoing nature of the military action. He clarified that divulging sensitive tactical details at this stage could compromise national security and jeopardise ongoing operations.
Key Cabinet Members Present
While the meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, it was also attended by other senior members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), including Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Each minister contributed briefings from their respective domains, covering internal security, diplomatic implications, and financial preparedness.
These updates collectively provided a comprehensive picture of India’s strategic and coordinated response to the terrorist provocation from across the border.
Questions Over PM Modi’s Absence
Despite the unity shown, some Opposition leaders expressed concern over the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the meeting.
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly raised the issue, echoing sentiments shared by a few other Opposition figures who felt the PM’s direct presence would have further reinforced the spirit of unity and transparency.
However, sources close to the government indicated that the Prime Minister had been in constant consultation with key ministers and top security officials, and that his absence from the meeting did not reflect any lack of engagement on the issue.
Limited Disclosure Due to Operational Sensitivity
Opposition leaders who attended the meeting later informed the media that while they appreciated the concise yet informative nature of the briefing, the government had been understandably guarded about disclosing specifics due to the classified nature of the military operation.
A senior Opposition figure said, “We were told that the situation remains fluid, and the military is still conducting follow-up operations. As such, not all details can be made public at this point.”
National Security Takes Centre Stage
The meeting came just days after India launched Operation Sindoor, a multi-pronged military campaign in response to the terrorist massacre in Pahalgam, which had shocked the nation and drawn strong condemnation from around the globe.
The Indian government has since adopted a zero-tolerance stance toward cross-border terrorism, with military, diplomatic, and intelligence mechanisms working in concert.
With over 100 terrorists believed to be killed, Operation Sindoor is shaping up to be one of the largest and most significant counter-terrorist military actions in recent years.
The all-party meeting concluded with a joint commitment to national unity, public reassurance, and resolute action against any threat to India’s sovereignty and civilian safety.
