Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday said the terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, marked a turning point in how India would respond to cross-border threats. Speaking at a ceremony on Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass, the Army Chief said the May 6–7 operation was aimed at neutralizing high-value targets in Pakistan and areas under its control in Jammu and Kashmir.
Army Chief said that the operation avoided civilian harm and was intended to send a clear message that the support system behind cross-border attacks would face direct consequences.
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Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said Operation Sindoor serves as a powerful response to Pakistan, ensuring that no one will be allowed to harbor terrorism against India. He said, "Through Operation Sindoor, we give a clear and best answer to the enemy for what they did brutally in Pahalgam."
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After paying floral tributes to the martyrs of the Kargil War at the War Memorial in Drass, General Dwivedi detailed the operation's timeline and said Indian forces targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) on May 6 and 7. Following these strikes, when Pakistan attempted to target Indian civilians and military formations, the Army, Air Force, and Navy united in a robust defense of the nation, neutralizing all adversarial attempts. He acknowledged the collective effort of all forces, administration, and even NGOs in delivering a befitting reply to Pakistan's aggression.
"The forces that are conspiring to harm India's sovereignty, integrity, and people will receive a befitting reply in the future too; this is the new normal of India," he asserted.
As part of long-term changes within the military, he announced the formation of integrated combat units called ‘Rudra’ brigades. These units, he said, will combine several branches of the Army, including foot soldiers, armored units, artillery, special teams, and drone-based platforms, all supported by logistics designed for joint deployment.
He mentioned that two such brigades are already active and that this marks a shift from the earlier system, where brigades were grouped by specific roles. The aim, he added, is to improve coordination and readiness in future scenarios.
The Army Chief announced the establishment of a new brigade comprising mechanized infantry, armored units, artillery, and special forces, all designed to enhance operational readiness and combat capabilities. He highlighted the continuous upgrades in armed forces capabilities, including advancements in drones and other technologies.
General Dwivedi expressed pride and emotion while paying tribute to the martyrs of Kargil, he said, "Today, I am feeling proud and emotional as I pay my tribute to our immortal martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country." He recognized the parents of Kargil heroes present at the memorial, praising their courage and sacrifice as an inspiration for all.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi also launched three projects aimed at commemorating the sacrifices made during the Kargil War. These included a portal for people to pay 'e-shradhanjali' to martyrs, a QR code-based audio gateway to share stories of the 1999 Kargil battles, and the Indus Viewpoint—an initiative to promote border tourism by providing access to significant battle sites in the Batalik sector.
In closing, General Dwivedi reaffirmed the Army's commitment to protecting the nation while contributing to development efforts in border areas such as Ladakh. "Our message is clear: we cannot let those who harm our country go unpunished," he said.