In a heartfelt tribute to community spirit and resilience, the Indian Army’s Ace of Spades Division held a significant felicitation ceremony in Rajouri to honor civilians who played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor. This event recognized the exceptional contributions of twenty-five individuals from the Rajouri and Poonch districts, who provided invaluable support during casualty evacuation, rescue missions, and humanitarian relief efforts amid a high-intensity counter-terror operation.
Presided over by Major General Kaushik Mukherji, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Ace of Spades Division, the gathering included senior officials from the civil administration, healthcare professionals, media representatives, military veterans, and the families of those who assisted during the operation.
The ceremony commenced with a powerful video montage that highlighted the collaboration between the armed forces and local residents in ensuring the success of Operation Sindoor. A solemn two-minute silence was observed to honor those who sacrificed their lives, including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, Raj Kumar Thapa.
Maj Gen Mukherji addressed the audience by emphasizing the significance of Operation Sindoor, describing it as not merely a military campaign, but a strong national statement asserting that India is committed to protecting its people and responding to threats with precision and resolve. He praised the courage and commitment of civilians, who often risked their own safety to provide critical assistance during times of crisis.
He further acknowledged their essential role in maintaining social unity, preventing fear from undermining the societal fabric. “Your contribution ensured that our response to terror was not just forceful, but also humane,” he noted.
This felicitation is part of the Army’s broader initiative to recognize the unsung heroes whose support is vital to mission success. Launched in May 2025 in response to a major terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Operation Sindoor aimed to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border and was characterized by effective coordination and cooperation between civil authorities and the military.
The event underscored the strength and unity between the armed forces and local communities in safeguarding national interests and restoring peace in conflict-affected regions, highlighting the essential role that civilians play in supporting military operations.
