The Indian armed forces recently executed 'Operation Sindoor', a series of precision missile strikes aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).These strikes, launched in the early hours of a Wednesday, targeted nine terror strongholds, notably including the Jaish-e-Mohammed's base in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's facilities in Muridke.

This decisive action was a direct retaliation to the horrific terror attack that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, where 26 individuals, primarily tourists and civilians, were brutally gunned down. The incident triggered widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. Following this attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on April 29, granted the armed forces "complete operational freedom" to determine the method, targets, and timing of their response, emphasizing India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

Photo Credit: Telegraph Media

The successful execution of 'Operation Sindoor' garnered immense praise and support from across India, particularly from prominent figures in the sporting and film fraternities. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, leading the sporting community, expressed his sentiments on 'X' (formerly Twitter) stating, "Fearless in unity. Boundless in strength. India's shield is her people. There's no room for terrorism in this world. We're ONE TEAM! Jai Hind."

Other cricketers like Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Shikhar Dhawan also took to social media to commend India's firm response, with Sehwag proverbially suggesting a strong counter-attack: "Agar koi aap par patthar phenke toh uspar Phool Phenko, Lekin Gamle ke saath." Olympic medalists Vijender Singh and Yogeshwar Dutt, along with chess ace Vidith Gujrathi, echoed similar sentiments of national pride and a demand for justice against terrorism.

The film industry also united in commending the armed forces. Actors Akshay Kumar, Kangana Ranaut, Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, and Suniel Shetty were among those who praised 'Operation Sindoor'. Akshay Kumar posted "Jai Hind. Jai Mahakaal" while Kangana Ranaut, an MP, reiterated the government's "zero tolerance" stance, wishing the forces "safety and success." Allu Arjun and Jr NTR expressed prayers for the army's safety and success, and Suniel Shetty emphasized "Zero tolerance. Total justice."

Photo Credit: The Economic Times

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur highlighted that India's response demonstrated its "responsible and confident" approach without resorting to war rhetoric, characterizing it as a "precise hit." Other notable personalities like Riteish Deshmukh, Madhur Bhandarkar, Nimrat Kaur, Anupam Kher, and singer Adnan Sami also showed their solidarity, with phrases like "Jai Hind," "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," and "Vande Mataram," underscoring a united front against terrorism and unwavering support for the nation's protectors.