India's DGMO Notified Pakistan Post-Operation Sindoor Strikes, Confirms Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed Parliament on Monday, detailing the immediate contact made by India's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) with his Pakistani counterpart following Operation Sindoor. This operation was a counter-terrorism strike in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
During a special session in the Lok Sabha, Singh stated that the Indian DGMO reached out to Pakistan's DGMO through a hotline around 1:35 am on May 7. This communication occurred shortly after India executed precision missile strikes on nine terrorist sites located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the Punjab province.
Singh explained that the call via the hotline was used to convey the reasoning and approach of the operation. He emphasized that the strikes were not intended to heighten tensions or extend the conflict.
Despite these clarifications, Singh noted that Pakistan did not grasp India's limited objectives and retaliated with ceasefire violations in the days that followed, targeting both civilian and military locations along the Line of Control. Singh stated that India, despite provocations, chose to exercise restraint, focusing only on dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
He further noted, "Our armed forces were directed to avoid causing damage to civilian areas. This operation was an act of self-defence, aimed solely at terrorist sources. I am proud that our armed forces executed the mission with precision and success."
Singh drew a parallel between the operation and the epic tale of Lord Hanuman setting Lanka ablaze in the Ramayana, underscoring its moral and strategic significance. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had also made a similar reference in a social media post prior to the debate.
Operation Sindoor commenced in the early morning of May 7, between 1:05 and 1:30 am, and targeted nine specific terror locations. The Press Information Bureau confirmed the operation at 1:44 am, clarifying that no Pakistani military installations were struck.
Singh assured Parliament that no significant Indian military assets were compromised during Pakistan's subsequent retaliatory actions, including firing and drone strikes.
Concluding his remarks, Singh stated, "This operation was our response to the brutal killing of 26 civilians by three terrorists in Pahalgam. We acted in self-defence, with precision and humanity."
