New Delhi: BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh sent a legal notice on Thursday. Chief Minister of Punjab Bhagwant MaanDemanding an apology over his remarks allegedly linking the saffron party to the recent blast incidents in Punjab, accused him of attempting to “tarnish the reputation, credibility and public standing” of the saffron party.The BJP leader demanded that Mann immediately withdraw the statement and issue a public apology on print, electronic and social media platforms, and refrain from making any “derogatory or inflammatory” comments against the BJP or its leaders.The notice also warned that failure to comply within seven days would result in criminal prosecution for defamation, proceedings relating to the dissemination of false information and civil action seeking compensation for reputational loss.The move comes a day after back-to-back blast incidents in Amritsar and Jalandhar triggered panic in the state and triggered a political clash between the ruling AAP and the BJP.Reacting to Wednesday’s incidents, Mann had alleged that the BJP creates unrest in the states before the elections. Mann had said, “BJP’s modus operandi is that in whatever state they want to contest elections, they first create riots, small explosions and divide people on the basis of religion and caste.”He said, “This is BJP’s election preparation… Law and order will be maintained and the culprits will be given strict punishment. I want to tell BJP that Punjab has seen many dark days and now Punjabis will not tolerate this.”In a legal notice issued through lawyer Sanket Gupta, Chugh described the comments as “highly irresponsible, false, defamatory and inflammatory” and accused Mann of making the allegations “without any credible evidence”.The notice said Mann’s statement directly or indirectly accused the BJP of instigating violent incidents and this was “the most serious allegation made with reckless disregard for the truth”.It further said that the CM’s comments are in contrast to the stand taken by the Punjab Police and the state Director General of Police, who had indicated that the incidents appear to be linked to a larger “proxy war” involving foreign hostile elements and alleged ISI-backed networks.The notice defended the BJP as a “nationalist political party committed to the sovereignty, integrity and security of India” and said the party has consistently maintained a “zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.”It also claimed that Mann’s statement had caused “severe reputational damage” to the BJP and hurt the party’s “lakhs of supporters and workers” across the country.The notice accused Mann of spreading misinformation and attempting to disrupt democratic discussion. “Your statement is clearly false, politically motivated, defamatory and tarnishing the reputation, credibility and public standing of the BJP and its leadership,” it said.Also read: Bhagwant Mann blames BJP for the blasts, party threatens legal action to remove CMChugh also alleged that the remarks could incite public unrest and attract punitive consequences under the Indian Code of Justice (BNS), 2023.Controversy erupted in Punjab after two separate incidents came to light on Wednesday. A suspicious explosion was reported late night near Khasa Cantonment area in Amritsar. Hearing the explosion, police and army teams reached the spot.Amritsar SP Aditya S Warrier said bomb disposal and forensic teams have been deployed to investigate the incident site. Officials are still confirming the exact number of blasts and the cause of the incident, while samples have been sent for forensic analysis. There is no report of anyone being injured.Security agencies including forensic teams, bomb squad and dog squad cordoned off both the locations and launched a detailed investigation.These incidents came just days after an attempted blast on a railway track at Rajpura in Patiala district on April 27, in which the accused had died during the attempt. The back-to-back incidents have raised new concerns about security in the border state.

Opposition parties targeted the AAP government over the law and order situation in Punjab. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia described the incidents as “serious” and accused the government of drawing political conclusions before the investigation was completed.BJP and Congress leaders also questioned the state government over security lapses and demanded strong steps to restore public confidence. Police said both incidents are under investigation and more clarity is expected after examining the forensic reports.

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai said on Thursday Operation Sindoor Highlighting the role of indigenous defense systems and coordinated multi-agency operations during the conflict, it demonstrated that “Atmanirbhar is not just a slogan, it is truly a force multiplier”.Addressing a press conference to mark the first anniversary of the operation, Ghai said more than 65 percent of India’s defense equipment is now manufactured domestically, and described the military response as a calibrated operation that achieved its objectives without escalating the conflict into a prolonged conflict.He said, “Operation Sindoor proved that Aatmanirbhar is not just a slogan, it is actually a force multiplier. Today, more than 65% of our defense equipment is being manufactured domestically.”Ghai said Operation Sindoor marked the beginning of India’s continued fight against terrorism, adding that the country will defend its sovereignty and security “decisively, professionally and with the utmost responsibility”.He also cited poet Dushyant Kumar’s poetry to claim that the operation was not the end, but just the beginning.Ghai said, “It is not my intention to just create a ruckus. My effort is to change this. Operation Sindoor was not the end. It was just the beginning. India’s fight against terror will continue. One year later, we remember not only the operation but also the principle behind it. India will defend its sovereignty, its security and its people decisively, professionally and with utmost responsibility.”Speaking about the strategy of the operation, he said India had adopted a measured approach that included decisive military action coupled with escalation control.“In an era of protracted conflicts around the world, we worked hard, achieved clearly defined objectives and then when the Pakistanis were forced to negotiate and requested us to stop, they decided to cease hostilities,” Lt Gen Ghai said.Also read: How Operation Sindoor began, one attack at a timeHe said, “The objectives were achieved through a calibrated shot and sharp blow, which altered the enemy’s risk appetite and disrupted its operations. Operation Sindoor was one attack at a time and contained India without locking it into a long-term war or conflict, the consequences of which we are seeing in ongoing conflicts around the world.”Ghai also underlined the role played by diplomatic and internal coordination as well as intelligence, cyber and electronic warfare units during the operation.

.

“Intelligence agencies provided accurate information which is very important for precise targeting. Cyber ​​and electronic warfare units maintained information dominance. The government managed the international environment as well as internal security and public assurance,” he said.The armed forces executed the operation with precision and limited damage, he said, adding that the coordinated effort across multiple agencies and domains will serve as a model for future operations.Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.As part of the operation, indian armed forces Attacked terrorist launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir.Indian forces targeted and destroyed nine terrorist launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen, killing more than 100 terrorists during the operation.

“A short while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoorattack on terrorist infrastructure Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement issued at 1.44 pm on May 7, 2025.“In total, nine (9) sites have been targeted,” the statement said, while clarifying that no Pakistani military installation was attacked and that the operation was “focused, measured and non-tense in nature.”Today marks one year of ‘Operation Sindoor’ in India and it is still seen as a defining moment in the country’s counter-terrorism doctrine, which was a rapid military response launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people were killed. The operation, conducted in a quick span of 25 minutes between 1.05 am and 1.30 am on May 7, targeted terrorist infrastructure linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen.April 22: Pahalgam attack shocked the countryThe series of incidents started on April 22, 2025 in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam. What is usually known as a beautiful tourist meadow became the site of one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Kashmir since Pulwama in 2019.Militants affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, entered a civilian area, reportedly separated victims on the basis of religion and killed 26 people, including a Nepalese national. The attack sparked outrage across India and was condemned by world leaders.23–24 April: India downgrades ties with PakistanExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal briefed the media about New Delhi’s measures.India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, suspended the Indus Water Treaty, sealed the Attari-Wagah border, declared Pakistani diplomats persona non grata and suspended visas for Pakistani citizens. India also conducted naval missile tests and large-scale Indian Air Force exercises.A day later, during a rally in Madhubani, Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed action, saying, “India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their supporters.” Pakistan retaliated diplomatically by suspending visas for Indians, closing its airspace to Indian-operated aircraft, freezing trade and suspending the Simla Agreement.April 27–30: War clouds loomAddressing the nation during Mann Ki Baat on 27 April, Modi said, “Today as I speak to you in Mann Ki Baat, there is deep pain in my heart. The terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April has pained every citizen of the country.” On April 30, Pakistan claimed that India was preparing military action. Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said that Islamabad had “credible intelligence” that India intended to launch a military operation within 24–36 hours.

7 May: Operation Sindoor beginsIn the early hours of 7 May, India launched Operation Sindoor from Indian soil, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The tri-service operation conducted from Indian soil targeted nine terrorist camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi later briefed the media and reiterated that the strikes were “concentrated and non-tense”.Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said, “nine terrorist camps were targeted and destroyed” in direct retaliation to the Pahalgam attack. “The targets of Operation Vermillion were based on credible intelligence and locations were selected to avoid damage to civilian infrastructure and loss of civilian life,” he said.The operation was carried out in a quick period of 25 minutes between 1.05 am and 1.30 am.Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi later elaborated on the nine terror sites affected:

Mock drills were also conducted in several Indian cities including Delhi, Chandigarh and Varanasi to prepare citizens for any stress.In the days that followed, India intercepted Pakistani drones at 36 locations from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi later described the operation as the “new normal” and said India would continue to respond to terrorism “in the language they understand”.7-8 May: Pakistan’s drone attack and India’s responsePakistan responded with drone strikes and heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), leading to a sharp rise in tensions between the two countries.On the night of 7 and 8 May, Pakistan attempted multiple airspace violations along India’s western border and launched about 300–400 drones at 36 locations, targeting military infrastructure. Indian forces intercepted and neutralized several drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic systems.Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India’s response had been “precise” and “non-tense”, emphasizing that only terrorist infrastructure was targeted. He also condemned Pakistan’s attacks which killed 16 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi explained the scale of the Pakistani attack during a media briefing. He said, “On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani Army violated Indian airspace several times along the entire western border with the intention of targeting military infrastructure. Not only this, the Pakistani Army also opened fire with heavy caliber weapons along the Line of Control.”“Around 300 to 400 drones were used for infiltration attempts at 36 locations. Indian armed forces shot down many of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means,” he said.Qureshi said the purpose of the large-scale air intrusion appears to be to test India’s air defense network and gather intelligence.“The probable purpose of such large-scale air infiltration was to test air defense systems and gather intelligence. Forensic investigation of the drone debris is being done. “Initial reports suggest they are Turkish Assisgard Songer drones,” she said.May 9: India increased retaliatory actionIndia launched a major retaliatory strike on 9 May after Pakistan targeted Indian military positions. IAF drone strikes destroyed Chinese-origin HQ-9 surface-to-air missile and radar system in Lahore. Other locations targeted include Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Attock, Bahawalpur, Miyano and areas near Karachi.Earlier in the day, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian Air Force bases in Awantipora, Srinagar and Uttarlai as well as Army installations in Jammu, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Chandigarh. India’s multilayered air defense network, led by the S-400 ‘Triumph’ missile system, intercepted the attacks.Lt Col Qureshi said Pakistan “used drones, long-range weapons, munitions and fighter aircraft to attack Indian military sites.” “Pakistan tried to intrude by air at more than 26 locations and they damaged our equipment and personnel at air force bases in Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot and Bathinda,” he said.“They used high-speed missiles at 1:40 am to target the airport in Punjab. They also attacked health facilities and schools,” he said. He further said that Pakistan targeted army hospitals in Srinagar, Avantipur and Udhampur.Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) said Pakistan initiated “unprovoked firing” on BSF posts in Jammu sector. BSF said, “Terrorist launch pad at Luni, District Sialkot opposite Akhnoor area was completely destroyed by BSF. Our resolve to protect India’s sovereignty remains unwavering.”May 10: Declaration of ceasefire, then violationIndia confirmed that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries have agreed to stop all military activities on land, air and sea.Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Pakistan’s DGMO contacted his Indian counterpart at 3.35 pm on May 10, following which both sides agreed to stop all firing and military operations from 5 pm IST.But after a few hours, explosions were heard again in Srinagar and surrounding areas. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reacted sharply on social media, posting, “What happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard all over Srinagar!!! This is not a ceasefire. Air defense units have just been opened in the middle of Srinagar.”Complete blackout imposed in Rajasthan’s Barmer and Jaisalmer; Firozpur, Pathankot, Moga, Fazilka and Patiala in Punjab; Ambala in Haryana; And Jammu, Kathua, Nagrota, Rajouri and Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir.The situation has become normal in the states bordering India-Pakistan. The armed forces caused significant damage to Pakistani military assets during the three-day confrontation. DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai said that 35-40 Pakistani army personnel were killed. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh later said that more than 100 terrorists were killed during Operation Sindoor.May 12-13: PM Modi addressed the nationOn 12 May, Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation for the first time since the operation began, and dedicated Operation Sindoor to “every mother of our country, every sister of our country.” A day later, Pakistan confirmed that 11 of its military personnel were killed and 78 injured in the Indian strikes.One year later: a new theoryMonths after the operation, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi described the military phase of Operation Sindoor as an “88-hour” campaign and warned Pakistan against repeating “something so barbaric” again.A year later, the Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended, reflecting India’s firm position that “terrorism and talks cannot go together”.In his Independence Day speech in 2025, PM Modi had said, “India has now decided that blood and water will not flow together.” The suspension of the treaty is one of the biggest strategic shifts in India-Pakistan relations in decades. This agreement, signed in 1960, governed the sharing of the waters of the Indus River System, including the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers.As India marks one year of Operation Sindoor, the operation is being seen as a turning point in New Delhi’s approach towards cross-border terrorism, establishing what the government has repeatedly described as the “new normal” in India’s security doctrine.

New Delhi: Congress on Thursday targeted the government over its handling of the incident and its aftermath. Operation SindoorHe claimed that despite India’s diplomatic outreach after the military action, Pakistan did not become isolated globally, as was the case after 2008. mumbai terrorist attack.Addressing the gathering, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh also sharply criticized the government’s handling of the military operation and its diplomatic consequences.“As we celebrate the first anniversary of the launch of Operation Vermillion and salute the achievements of our armed forces, it would be useful to recall the following: The first announcement of the ceasefire that unexpectedly halted Operation Vermillion on May 10, 2025 at 5:37 pm IST was made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who claimed that it was made possible due to the intervention of President Trump,” Ramesh said on X.“After this, the US President has repeated this claim more than a hundred times in different countries, while his good friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not refuted it even once,” he said.Ramesh also referred to the statements made by senior military officers after the operation. He said Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, speaking in Singapore on May 30, 2025, had said that India suffered initial losses due to tactical errors, but later reviewed and corrected those mistakes with precision strikes inside Pakistan.He further reminded that at a seminar in Jakarta on June 10, 2025, the Defense Attache at the Indian Embassy in Indonesia had admitted that India had lost the aircraft on May 7, 2025, due to constraints imposed by the political leadership.Citing another statement, Ramesh said Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rahul Singh had highlighted China’s deep involvement in Pakistan’s response to Operation Sindoor on July 4, 2025, through equipment, ammunition, satellite imagery and real-time targeting support.“Yet, the Modi government’s measured capitulation towards China continues unabated, including loss of traditional patrolling rights in Ladakh, record sugar imports, relaxation of FDI norms, etc.,” Ramesh alleged.He said, “Despite India’s extensive diplomatic efforts, Pakistan has not been isolated as it has been since the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008. On the contrary, its army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has been embraced with extraordinary warmth by President Trump since June 2025 and Pakistan, the world’s leading sponsor of cross-border terrorism, has been praised by the US military establishment.”Ramesh also reminded that after the Kargil war ended in July 1999, the Vajpayee government appointed strategic affairs expert K. A four-member Kargil Review Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Subramaniam.Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India carried out air strikes on nine terrorist infrastructure targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.These attacks led to a sharp increase in tensions, with Pakistan launching retaliatory attacks which were largely thwarted by the Indian Army. Hostilities ended on 10 May after military officials of the two countries agreed to halt military action following hotline talks.