Operation Sindoor: Honoring the Brave Soldiers Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
NEW DELHI: For the first time, the identities of six Indian armed forces personnel who lost their lives during
Operation Sindoor, a military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in May last year, have been revealed.
The names of these heroes will be permanently memorialized at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, with their names engraved on the granite bricks of the memorial’s Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice). This honors their supreme sacrifice and ensures their bravery is etched in the collective memory of the nation.
Tribute to the Fallen
The six martyrs include five Army personnel and one member from the Indian Air Force. They are:
- Subedar Major Pawan Kumar
- Rifleman Sunil Kumar
- Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar
- Agniveer Murali Naik
- Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh
- IAF Sergeant Surendra Kumar
Among them, Rifleman Sunil Kumar received the Vir Chakra posthumously, while Sergeant Surendra Kumar was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal posthumously for their bravery.
The Operations and its Significance
The details of these six individuals were released alongside a comprehensive list of all soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during various military operations throughout **2025**. The Tyag Chakra features 16 circular granite walls that honor each soldier who has laid down their life for India since gaining independence.
Operation Sindoor was initiated on May 7, 2025, as a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack. During this operation, Indian armed forces executed precise strikes on nine terror launchpads located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The targets were linked to terrorist organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
This military action successfully eliminated over 100 terrorists. In retaliation, Pakistan launched drone attacks and shelling, leading to a four-day military confrontation. India subsequently targeted radar installations in Lahore and facilities near Gujranwala before both nations reached a ceasefire agreement on May 10, following discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations.
Government’s Recognition
On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized its significance as a testament to “India’s firm response against terrorism and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security.” He acknowledged the armed forces for displaying “unparalleled courage, precision, and resolve” in their efforts to respond to the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
