Jammu, May 27: In a bold and coordinated response to unprovoked shelling and firing by Pakistani Rangers along the International Border (IB) in Jammu, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday revealed that it launched a powerful counter-offensive under Operation Sindoor, hitting 76 Pakistani posts, 42 forward defence locations (FDLs), and destroying three major terrorist launch pads.
The BSF said that Pakistan had fired upon 60 Indian border posts and 49 forward positions, in what appeared to be an attempt to facilitate infiltration by 40–50 terrorists. “In response, we targeted 76 of their border posts and 42 FDLs,” said BSF DIG Chiterpaul Singh. One of the launch pads destroyed was near Sunderbani, reportedly run by Pakistan’s ISI. “There is no movement seen from that area now,” Singh confirmed.
BSF Inspector General (IG) Shashank Anand said precision strikes were carried out after actionable intelligence, causing heavy casualties among terrorists and Pakistani Rangers. The operation was intensified following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, with the BSF and Army tightening defences across Rajouri, Poonch, Jammu, Samba and Kathua.
Preemptive Strike Foiled Infiltration Attempt
On May 8, BSF surveillance picked up movement near Sialkot of about 40–50 terrorists. “A preemptive mortar strike was launched in Samba, foiling the infiltration,” said DIG Indreshwar. Pakistan Rangers, caught off guard, fled from their positions. “They weren’t expecting this response,” he said.
Following this, retaliatory shelling was reported from the Akhnoor sector, prompting further BSF action. On May 9–10, the BSF targeted Lashkar-e-Taiba launch pads, destroying one just 3 km from the border.
Drone Attack Claims Lives
On the morning of May 10, Pakistan used low-flying drones for attacks. One drone dropped explosives on a BSF post, killing two BSF jawans and an Army soldier. In response, BSF struck bunkers, surveillance units, and communication towers in the Sialkot region.
To honour the fallen, the BSF will name two posts after the martyrs. “A post in Samba will be named ‘Sindoor’,” the IG announced.
BSF Women Show Grit
The IG praised women personnel, especially Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari, for refusing to leave forward posts and engaging enemy fire bravely. “Their courage and resolve were unmatched,” he said.
Strategic Coordination and Legacy of Valour
Communication has taken place at the DGMO level, with no low-level talks yet. “We are watching closely. Our future actions depend on their conduct,” the IG said.
He credited the coordination among BSF, Army, paramilitary forces and J&K Police for the effective counter-offensive, while reminding the nation of BSF’s role from 1965, Kargil, Operation Parakram to Operation Sindoor.
“Side by side, our men and women held the line and struck back. This is a tribute to the sacrifices of our brave warriors,” the IG said.
