Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday stated that India has avenged Pakistan’s acts of brutality through Operation Mahadev and Operation Sindoor. He warned that the “terrorist country” will face severe consequences if it continues to shed the blood of Indian citizens.
Speaking at the ‘Pedal for Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ rally organized by the BSF ahead of the 79th Independence Day, Sinha honored 79 cyclists—40 local youth and 39 BSF personnel—who took part in the event.
Earlier, the LG flagged off a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ from Dal Lake, joining the procession towards the Botanical Garden.
Paying homage to those killed in the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, Sinha said, “Through Operation Mahadev and Operation Sindoor, we have taken revenge for Pakistan’s brutality.” He added, “If Pakistan continues to shed the blood of our citizens, it will have to pay a very heavy price.”
He praised the bravery of the armed forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel involved in Operation Mahadev, noting their role in avenging the brutal Pahalgam attack and protecting the nation’s dignity.
Sinha also urged the public to stay alert against divisive elements attempting to disturb peace and social harmony.
Three senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commanders responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam attack were eliminated in a July 28 encounter near Srinagar, dubbed ‘Operation Mahadev.’ The Pahalgam attack in Baisaran meadow claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor in May, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The LG congratulated the BSF, the country’s frontline defense force, for honoring the courage, sacrifice, and valor of its soldiers and officers, and said the rally will inspire youth to join the BSF, Army, and police forces.
He emphasized that the rally, passing through many towns and villages, inspired young people and reminded them of the vision and selfless ideals of India’s founding fathers. “It is the duty of every citizen of J&K to follow this path and build the Jammu and Kashmir of their dreams,” Sinha said.
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India is one nation. The hearts and souls of 1.4 billion Indians are united as one big family, he added. “This spirit of unity must strengthen us. We must prioritize the nation’s interests above all else.”
At the Tiranga Yatra event, Sinha paid tribute to the forefathers and martyrs who sacrificed their lives to keep the tricolor flying high. He felicitated Kargil war heroes and released a monograph honoring Jammu and Kashmir’s martyrs.
“Today is a day to celebrate our great nation’s achievements, but also to reflect on our responsibilities and build on our successes. We must commit to creating a modern and prosperous J&K, founded on the sacrifices of our Army, CAPF, and police personnel,” he said.
Sinha added, “It is a blessing to be born in India to serve the nation. The Tiranga is my duty, my strength, and my heartbeat. For this sacred duty, may we be reborn on this holy land time and again.”
He noted that thousands gathered proudly to honor the national flag, a symbol of unity, pride, and shared identity.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir has entered a new era of inclusive development, Sinha said. “With love for Ma Bharti in their hearts, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are moving forward. This patriotic spirit is our greatest strength, paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous future for J&K and the entire nation.”
“The skies of Jammu and Kashmir shine with the tricolor. From the banks of the Jhelum to the Chenab, and from the Pir Panjal peaks to Harmukh, the chant of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ resonates everywhere,” he added.
“A new generation is rising, devoted to the honor and glory of the tricolor, with one resolve—to live and die for Ma Bharti,” Sinha concluded.
