In a powerful display of transparency and national values, the Indian armed forces reaffirmed their commitment to secularism following the ceasefire with Pakistan on Saturday. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, representing the Indian Army, made it clear that not a single mosque was touched during the recently concluded Operation Sindoor. Addressing the media alongside Commodore Raghu Nair and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, she dismissed Pakistani military claims that religious sites had been targeted. Her statement held added significance as she is a practicing Muslim, reflecting the diverse makeup and ethos of the Indian military. “I want to make it clear that no mosque was damaged during the operation,” she emphasized.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh echoed the sentiment, reiterating that all Indian armed forces respect every religion and hold places of worship in the highest regard. She clarified that the operation strictly targeted terror infrastructure and avoided any harm to civilian or religious structures. “No military or civilian infrastructure was targeted apart from any terror assets,” Singh said. Operation Sindoor, carried out with precision, demonstrated India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism while consciously avoiding broader regional escalation.

The ceasefire, which came into effect at 5 p.m. IST on Saturday, was announced shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump declared a “full and immediate” cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, both nations’ Directors General of Military Operations agreed during a call at 3:35 p.m. to halt all military action across land, air, and sea. They are scheduled to reconnect on May 12 to further ensure the implementation of the ceasefire. The MEA emphasized that clear instructions have been issued on both sides, aiming to sustain peace in the region.