Operation Sindoor, launched in the intervening night of May 6–7, 2025, saw Indian forces carry out precision strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. In retaliation, Pakistani forces resorted to heavy cross-border shelling along the Line of Control, targeting civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir and attempting to hit critical infrastructure, including the Uri Hydro Electric Projects in Baramulla district.
Residential localities along the LoC in districts such as Poonch and Rajouri in the Jammu region and frontier belts of Kupwara and Baramulla in the Valley came under indiscriminate Pakistani fire following the strikes. In the Uri sector, shells landed dangerously close to residential colonies abutting the Uri Hydro Electric Projects, damaging several houses and triggering night-long evacuation efforts.
The Uri Hydro Electric Power Projects (UHEP-I and II), located on the Jhelum River near the LoC, provide vital power and are guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force as critical national assets. During the May 2025 escalation, the projects came under sustained shelling, with Pakistani fire landing near plant infrastructure and adjoining residential complexes housing employees and their families.
Amid this intense cross-border shelling, CISF teams deployed at Uri launched a door-to-door evacuation of civilians, moving around 250 people including women, children, and NHPC staff families from vulnerable quarters to secure locations. Led by Commandant Ravi Yadav, the unit carried out real-time threat assessments, reinforced bunkers, kept POLNET and satellite communications functioning, neutralized hostile drones, and maintained the security of the hydel installations, ensuring there were no civilian casualties.
In recognition of this exceptional bravery during Operation Sindoor, the CISF Director General conferred the prestigious DG’s Disc on 19 personnel at the force headquarters in New Delhi. The award citation notes their pivotal role in safeguarding the Uri hydropower projects and surrounding townships under direct enemy fire, describing their conduct as upholding the highest standards of protection, security, and commitment to the nation.
