Indian Army crossed the Line of Control on September 29, 2016; security officials describe the operation as a significant shift toward a deterrence-based approach against cross-border terrorism
New Delhi.
Ten years have passed since the Indian Army carried out the surgical strike on September 29, 2016, in response to the Uri terror attack. On September 18, 2016, heavily armed terrorists attacked an Army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 19 Indian soldiers. Eleven days later, the Indian Army conducted a surgical strike across the Line of Control (LoC), targeting terrorist launch pads.
According to the source, the operation was seen as a significant change in India’s approach toward cross-border terrorism allegedly supported from Pakistan. Security officials cited in the report said the action conveyed that India would not limit its response to diplomatic protests and could also resort to military action when required.
Major Decision After the Uri Attack
The September 18, 2016, attack on the Army camp in Uri claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers. On September 29, the Indian Army carried out a surgical strike against terrorist launch pads across the LoC.
According to officials quoted in the source, before 2016, India’s response to terrorist attacks largely involved diplomatic pressure, formal protests and raising the issue at international forums. The report describes the 2016 operation as a turning point in this approach.
From Balakot to Operation Sindoor
The source also refers to two subsequent major military operations. Following the Pulwama terror attack, India carried out the Balakot airstrike. The report also mentions Operation Sindoor in connection with the response to the Pahalgam attack.
According to officials cited in the report, these actions represented a continuation of the use of military options in response to terrorist attacks.
Impact on the Morale of Security Forces
An Intelligence Bureau official quoted in the source said the impact of the surgical strike extended beyond the message conveyed to Pakistan and also boosted the morale of India’s security forces.
Officials further claimed that the operation increased confidence among security agencies and contributed to intensified efforts against terrorist networks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Claims Regarding Terrorist Launch Pads
According to claims attributed to officials in the source, following the surgical strike, Pakistan moved some launch pads farther away and relocated certain terrorist facilities. Officials said this affected efforts related to infiltration.
These claims are presented in the source as statements made by officials.
PM Modi Also Recalled the Surgical Strike
According to the source, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the surgical strike during his Mann Ki Baat programme and described it as an important example of India’s counter-terrorism policy. He said India had endured the pain caused by terrorist attacks for a long time and described the surgical strike as a response to that pain.
As the 10th anniversary of the 2016 military operation is observed, the surgical strike is being recalled in the context of the changes described in India’s counter-terrorism strategy and its response to cross-border terrorism.
