'India hit 9 terror sites, killed over 100 militants in Op Sindoor': Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday informed the Lok Sabha that the Indian armed forces killed over 100 terrorists during Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 6 and 7. The strike was carried out in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. Singh said that nine terrorist infrastructure sites located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were targeted in the 22-minute operation.

Initiating the discussion in the Lok Sabha, Singh said, “The well-coordinated strikes carried out by our forces precisely hit nine terrorist infrastructure targets. I am speaking with caution so that our figures are not incorrect — the actual number is much higher.” According to him, the operation eliminated over 100 terrorists, including trainers, handlers, and those associated with terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Singh stated that these terrorist organisations receive open support from Pakistan’s army and intelligence agency ISI. He added that the armed forces had paused military conflict with Pakistan after achieving all political and military objectives. "On May 6 and 7, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, which remains historic," he said.

He emphasised that the operation was executed after an in-depth study and assessment of all available options. "Before carrying out Operation Sindoor, our armed forces conducted an in-depth study of every aspect. We had several options. But we chose the one that would inflict maximum damage on the terrorists and their hideouts, while causing no harm to Pakistani civilians," Singh told the House.

Prior to the Defence Minister’s address, the Lok Sabha was adjourned three times till 2 pm due to protests by Opposition MPs. Singh began his speech by expressing gratitude to the armed forces and called Operation Sindoor a demonstration of India’s commitment to its sovereignty, policy against terrorism, and duty to protect citizens. Referring to the significance of the operation, Singh said, “Ye sindoor ki laali, shaurya ki kahani hai. Bharat ke mastak par veerta ki nishani hai.”