NCERT introduces modules on ‘Operation Sindoor’ highlighting India’s counter-terrorism efforts

The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced two new modules on Operation Sindoor. The modules state that Operation Sindoor was India’s way of stopping terrorism led by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM), and Pakistan’s spy agency, ISI.

The special module says Indian agencies found that the attack on Pahalgam was a well-planned conspiracy led by Pakistan’s ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). “It was directly ordered by Pakistan’s military and political leadership,” the book says. “It (Operation Sindoor) was not just a military operation; it was a promise to protect peace and honour the lives lost,” the book says.

The two modules are titled “Operation Sindoor — A Saga of Valour” for preparatory and middle stages and “Operation Sindoor — A Mission of Honour and Bravery” for the secondary stage. The modules also point to Make in India initiatives that contributed to the success of Operation Sindoor.

“Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) satellites guided our soldiers and pilots. Ten satellites worked day and night to give real-time information about enemy movements. Operation Sindoor was also supported by Indian-made drones like the Hawk, Scout, and Eagle. These drones helped keep a close watch from the sky,” the module says.

It also says the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 paved the way for development in Jammu and Kashmir. “In fact, by 2023, Kashmir saw the highest number of tourists ever. People were living in peace. But unfortunately, Pakistan was not ready to accept this progress,” the book says. The book pointed out that the terror attack on Pahalgam also had a serious impact on India-Pakistan relations. Twenty-six innocent civilians were killed, including a Nepalese tourist. Many others were injured. The attack was one of the deadliest in recent years.

“People across India protested against the act of terror. Candle marches were held. Muslim communities in Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Bhopal wore black armbands and openly denounced the attack. In Kashmir, shopkeepers closed their shops in protest. Villages near the border demanded strong action and supported the Armed Forces,” an excerpt from the book says. India's outreach to the international community post Operation Sindoor was also mentioned in the modules.

“A coordinated and extensive exercise was undertaken to reach out diplomatically through our missions abroad. On July 18, the United States officially declared TRF a foreign terrorist organisation. That was a major move. TRF is now widely recognised as just another face of Lashkar-e-Taiba,” it elaborates.

Explaining why India’s response to Pakistan was named Operation Sindoor, the book says Sindoor symbolises the marital bond. “By naming the operation Sindoor, the country’s leadership and armed forces paid tribute to the widows of the victims. It was to show solidarity, empathy, and respect,” it says.