In a dramatic escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Opposition has publicly backed the Union government's military actions against terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. On May 7, 2025, the UP Opposition praised the Indian Army's efforts, highlighting the significance of the operation that targeted nine anti-Indian terror infrastructures.
This support comes in the wake of the Indian armed forces executing Operation Sindoor, which involved missile and air strikes aimed at dismantling terrorist networks believed to be orchestrating attacks against India. The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen, primarily tourists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously assured the military leadership that they had “complete operational freedom” to respond decisively to the threats posed by these terror groups. Following the Pahalgam incident, which was confirmed to have been masterminded by Sheikh Sajjad Gul, the head of The Resistance Front, India announced several punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and a downgrade in diplomatic relations.
Operation Sindoor commenced in the early hours of May 7, with Indian forces targeting various locations in Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Army stated that these strikes were aimed at terrorist infrastructure that had been planning and directing attacks against India. The operation has drawn sharp condemnation from Pakistan, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labeling the missile strikes as an "act of war."
According to a spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, the strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals and left 46 others injured. Specific locations targeted included Bahawalpur, where 13 people were killed in an attack on Ahmedpur East, and Muzaffarabad, where three fatalities were reported. The strikes also targeted the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold in Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taiba base in Muridke.
In response to the attacks, Pakistan has closed its airspace for all traffic for 48 hours and summoned a National Security Council meeting to address the escalating situation. The Pakistani government has emphasized its right to retaliate, with Sharif asserting, "Pakistan has every right to give a befitting reply to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given."
Adding to the tension, the Pakistan Army's spokesperson reported that five civilians were also killed due to across-the-Line of Control (LoC) firing by India. The Pakistani government has condemned the strikes as a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty and international law, with Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warning that their response will be both kinetic and diplomatic.
Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a prominent Hindu nationalist organization in India, has expressed support for the government's military actions. In a statement made on the same day, RSS national media head Sunil Ambekar declared that Operation Sindoor represents the beginning of justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing national solidarity with the armed forces.
The RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat, had met with Prime Minister Modi shortly after the Pahalgam attack to discuss the government's response. During that meeting, Bhagwat extended full backing to the government's decision to take military action against Pakistan in retaliation for the terrorist assault.
As the situation continues to unfold, both nations remain on high alert, with the potential for further military engagements looming. The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring national security and has vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its citizens from terrorist threats.
In the wake of these developments, international observers are calling for restraint from both sides, urging dialogue to prevent further escalation. The cycle of violence and retaliation between India and Pakistan continues to pose significant risks to regional stability, with diplomatic efforts urgently needed to de-escalate the situation.
As the world watches closely, the actions taken by both governments will likely have far-reaching consequences, not just for India and Pakistan, but for the broader geopolitical landscape in South Asia. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this conflict can be resolved through diplomacy or if it will spiral into further military confrontations.
With a history marked by conflict and tension, the relationship between India and Pakistan remains one of the most complex and fraught in the world. As both nations navigate this latest crisis, the hope for peace and stability hangs in the balance.