Entertainment
KBC 17 Independence Day Special: Col Sofiya Qureshi & Wg Cdr Vyomika Singh Open Up on Why Operation Sindoor Was Launched
On April 22, 2025, tragedy struck the picturesque town of Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir. A terrorist attack left 26 innocent civilians dead, including tourists and locals. The attack was widely believed to have been orchestrated by groups operating from across the border.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, speaking to Big B, recalled: We had reached a point where restraint was no longer an option. Pakistan had been doing this for far too long, and it was necessary to respond. That is why Operation Sindoor was planned.
The operation was not born in a vacuum — it was a direct and calculated response to repeated provocations.
What Was Operation Sindoor?
Launched on May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was a tri-services military strike involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Key Objectives:
- Neutralize nine high-value terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
- Avoid civilian casualties and limit escalation while delivering a clear message.
- Restore national morale by showing India’s resolve.
The operation was conducted with surgical precision — satellite intelligence, special forces coordination, and synchronized air-naval support ensured maximum impact with minimal collateral damage.
Why the Name “Sindoor”?
The codename held deep symbolism. In Indian culture, sindoor (vermillion) represents marriage and commitment — applied in the parting of a married woman’s hair.
By naming the mission “Sindoor”, the forces paid tribute to the widows of the Pahalgam victims. It was a pledge: their sacrifices would not be forgotten, and justice would be served.
Two Women at the Helm of the Briefing
What made Operation Sindoor stand out, beyond its military success, was who stood before the nation to explain it.
On May 7, after the strikes, Col Sofiya Qureshi and Wg Cdr Vyomika Singh — alongside the Foreign Secretary — addressed a packed media briefing.
This was the first time two women officers from different branches of the Indian Armed Forces jointly led a public operational debrief.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
- From the Corps of Signals.
- First woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in the ASEAN Plus “Force 18” exercise in 2016.
- Served in UN Peacekeeping Missions and high-altitude operations.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh
- Helicopter pilot with over 2,500 flying hours.
- Expert in search-and-rescue missions, disaster relief, and operational logistics.
- An accomplished mountaineer and advocate for women in combat roles.
On the KBC Hot Seat
During the Independence Day special, the officers didn’t just recount military facts — they shared personal stories, moments of doubt, and the weight of responsibility.
Amitabh Bachchan, visibly moved, asked: In those moments before execution, what goes through your mind
Wg Cdr Singh responded: It’s a strange calm. You are aware that a nation is counting on you, but training takes over. Fear is there — but so is pride.
How the Operation Unfolded
While operational specifics remain classified, the broad timeline is known:
- Intelligence Gathering – Satellite imagery and HUMINT (human intelligence) identified nine major terror hubs.
- Joint Planning – Army, Navy, and Air Force worked out strike packages to minimize overlap and maximize surprise.
- Execution –
- Air Force jets and drones hit key training and logistics sites.
- Naval assets monitored movement along the coastline.
- Army’s special forces conducted targeted ground raids.
- Extraction & Confirmation – Forces withdrew without casualty, with visual confirmation of mission success.
Public & Political Reaction
The announcement of Operation Sindoor drew bipartisan political support. Citizens took to social media praising the precision and professionalism of the Armed Forces.
Internationally, India was lauded for a measured yet firm response, contrasting with the all-out wars of earlier decades.
Women in Uniform: Shattering the Glass Ceiling
By having Col Qureshi and Wg Cdr Singh front the press briefing and then appear on a prime-time platform like KBC, the Armed Forces sent a powerful cultural message:
- Women are not just participating — they are leading in India’s defense strategy.
- Representation inspires the next generation of officers.
Inside the KBC Episode
Apart from the quiz segments:
- The officers discussed teamwork between the three services.
- Shared light-hearted anecdotes from training and preparation.
- Took part in patriotic rapid-fire questions that had the audience cheering.
Amitabh Bachchan closed the episode with his signature gravitas: