More than 20 targets were identified under Operation Sindoor

Indian intelligence agencies and defence forces had identified more than 20 terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor, launched in May in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

India carried out missile strikes on nine of them later.

According to top defence sources, after the list of more than 20 terrorist targets was drawn up, it was discussed in detail at a meeting of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with the chiefs of the Army, Air Force and the Navy.

“Markaz Taiba camp in Muridke and Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur were on top of the list from day one of the discussion. At the meeting, it was instructed that the attack should be precise and elaborate,” as per a source.

After the detailed discussion, all the options were tabled before Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Not just the planning of attack was discussed but also preparation for Pakistan’s retaliation. “Escalation was expected but it was ensured that only terror installations were targeted. There was no significant damage to the Indian military bases as forces were prepared for the retaliation in advance,” added the source.

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Free hand to forces

It was clear after the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister that out of the more than 20 targets, nine had been finalised. It was decided that there should be no harm to civilian population, no religious sentiment should be hurt, and no military installations should be targeted. This was made clear to the heads of intelligence agencies and defence forces at the Cabinet meeting.

“At the meeting, a free hand was given to the forces to take down any terror camp operating across the border at any location, while keeping in mind the factors discussed at the meeting,” added the top defence source.