In a formal ceremony on May 15, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, honored Constable Harvinder Singh of the Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu with a Commendation Disc for his exemplary performance in preparation for Operation Sindoor. This commendation acknowledges Singh’s dedication and operational diligence during one of the most significant recent anti-terrorism campaigns undertaken by Indian security forces.
The event saw the attendance of personnel from both the Indian Army and the BSF, underscoring the close cooperation between the two forces as they work to maintain security in the tumultuous Jammu and Kashmir region. General Dwivedi, who assumed his role as Army Chief on June 30, 2024, praised the collaborative efforts that led to the operation’s success and reiterated the importance of sustained vigilance along the Line of Control (LoC).
Operation Sindoor was initiated on May 7, 2025, in direct response to the devastating terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 civilian lives. The operation aimed at dismantling nine terrorist infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), achieving the elimination of over 100 terrorists through coordinated military strikes. This campaign has garnered national attention for its strategic execution and rapid advancement.
Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, the Director General of Air Operations, highlighted the technological superiority of the Indian Armed Forces, noting that attempts by enemy drones, including those manufactured in Turkey, failed to breach India’s robust defense systems.
The repercussions of Operation Sindoor have reverberated throughout the region, leading to heightened security measures that resulted in the temporary cancellation of flights in various cities, including Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta issued a strong warning to Pakistan, emphasizing India’s unwavering resolve to take decisive actions against cross-border terrorism and suggesting potential further retaliatory measures should provocations continue.
International reactions to the situation have varied. While the European Union condemned the April Pahalgam attack and called for restraint, Singapore has advised its citizens to refrain from non-essential travel to both Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan amid escalating tensions.
Constable Harvinder Singh’s commendation serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial role played by the BSF in safeguarding national security. The BSF has a storied history in counter-insurgency operations, having been instrumental in key missions such as Operations Blue Star and Black Thunder during the Punjab militancy period. In modern conflict scenarios like Operation Sindoor, the BSF continues to operate on the frontlines in tandem with the Indian Army, working diligently to dismantle terror networks and aid in restoring peace in one of India’s most sensitive regions.
