BREAKING NEWS
Ten years ago, the night of September 28–29, 2016, marked a significant moment in India’s response to cross-border terrorism. Following the Uri terror attack, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes against terrorist launch pads along the Line of Control. The Army said the operation was based on specific and credible intelligence about planned infiltration and attacks. The significance of the strikes went beyond the immediate military operation. They signalled a willingness to respond proactively to a threat that had for years imposed a heavy security burden on Jammu and Kashmir and the country. The message was straightforward: terrorism cannot be treated as an ordinary instrument of conflict, and those preparing attacks cannot assume that the LoC will provide permanent immunity. The operation also underlined the importance of intelligence, precision and preparedness. Military strength is most effective when backed by accurate information, trained personnel and clear operational objectives. The strikes demonstrated how these elements can come together in a targeted counter-terror operation. But deterrence is not synonymous with perpetual confrontation. The same official statement that announced the 2016 strikes also said India intended to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region. That balance remains important. For Jammu and Kashmir, the real measure of security is not merely what happens along the LoC. It is whether families can live without fear, children can attend schools, businesses can function, tourists can travel and young people can build their futures without the shadow of violence. The lesson of 2016, therefore, is not simply about military retaliation. It is about national preparedness, credible deterrence and the resolve to protect citizens while keeping the larger objective of peace in view. India’s counter-terrorism approach subsequently included the 2019 Balakot air operation and, years later, Operation Sindoor in 2025, reflecting the evolution of its stated response to cross-border terrorism. A decade after the surgical strikes, the enduring message should be clear: peace requires strength, but strength must ultimately serve peace. A secure border, resilient institutions and a society free from terror remain the strongest foundation for lasting stability.
Ten years ago, the night of September 28–29, 2016, marked a significant moment in India’s response to cross-border terrorism. Following the Uri terror attack, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes against terrorist launch pads along the Line of Control. The Army said the operation was based on specific and credible intelligence about planned infiltration and attacks. The significance of the strikes went beyond the immediate military operation. They signalled a willingness to respond proactively to a threat that had for years imposed a heavy security burden on Jammu and Kashmir and the country. The message was straightforward: terrorism cannot be treated as an ordinary instrument of conflict, and those preparing attacks cannot assume that the LoC will provide permanent immunity. The operation also underlined the importance of intelligence, precision and preparedness. Military strength is most effective when backed by accurate information, trained personnel and clear operational objectives. The strikes demonstrated how these elements can come together in a targeted counter-terror operation. But deterrence is not synonymous with perpetual confrontation. The same official statement that announced the 2016 strikes also said India intended to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region. That balance remains important. For Jammu and Kashmir, the real measure of security is not merely what happens along the LoC. It is whether families can live without fear, children can attend schools, businesses can function, tourists can travel and young people can build their futures without the shadow of violence. The lesson of 2016, therefore, is not simply about military retaliation. It is about national preparedness, credible deterrence and the resolve to protect citizens while keeping the larger objective of peace in view. India’s counter-terrorism approach subsequently included the 2019 Balakot air operation and, years later, Operation Sindoor in 2025, reflecting the evolution of its stated response to cross-border terrorism. A decade after the surgical strikes, the enduring message should be clear: peace requires strength, but strength must ultimately serve peace. A secure border, resilient institutions and a society free from terror remain the strongest foundation for lasting stability.
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