"During Operation Sindoor, BSF's Neha Bhandari Describes a Combustible Night: Drugs and Armed Preparation"
Jammu, India - Tensions escalated along the International Border (IB) during Operation Sindoor as Border Security Force (BSF) Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari stood steadfast on the frontline, leading her troops with unwavering resolve.
"The morale of the soldiers was extremely high," said Bhandari, reflecting on the intensity of Operation Sindoor. Her company's mission was to prevent any infiltration attempts and retaliate forcefully to safeguard the IB.
Stationed at a forward post during India's counter offensive against Pakistan's aggression, Bhandari executed her duties diligently, ensuring the security of her nation's territory.
"My company was tasked with foiling any infiltration attempt. We responded decisively to Pakistan and fulfilled our duty," Bhandari stated.
Armed with high-trajectory weapons, the BSF successfully countered the Pakistani aggression, with women soldiers contributing significantly to the operation.
"My team and I carried out our duties together," Bhandari commented.
With steel determination, weaponry, and fortified bunkers, the BSF effectively held the line, showcasing the force's preparedness in response to any threat.
On May 8-9, BSF DIG (Sector Sunderbani) Virender Dutta revealed that his sector had experienced the heaviest shelling during Operation Sindoor. Despite Pakistan's heavy use of 120 heavy mortars, the BSF inflicted substantial damage in return.
To counter the drone threat, AD guns were deployed, and civilians were advised to maintain safety.
Dutta also announced that two prominent Pakistani launchpads were destroyed during the operation, with no activity reported since then.
Talking about the situation in Luni, Dutta stated, "There is no motion in Luni as well, indicating that the launchpad has been destroyed."
BSF DIG SS Mand provided further details, explaining that real-time intelligence revealed terrorist movements, prompting BSF attacks on launchpads and a local cemetery used as a hideout. According to intercepted information, there were an estimated 7 to 12 casualties in the enemy camp.
In light of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives, the resulting national mood was characterized by sorrow and determination.
According to BSF DIG, RS Pura Sector, Chiter Pal, intelligence suggested that Pakistan was expecting retaliation in response to the Pahalgam attack. As Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7, the anticipated enemy movement became evident.
Firing began in Pal's sector on May 9, gradually intensifying before being silenced by the coordinated BSF response.
Launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor has resulted in the elimination of more than 100 terrorists from Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The operation also involved India's strikes on 11 Pakistani airbases, damaging radar, communication, and logistics infrastructure.
The Indian offensive led to cross-border shelling, drone threats, and eventually a ceasefire agreement announced on May 10 between India and Pakistan.
"Despite the ongoing Operation Sindoor, Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari found time to share her passion for sports, particularly basketball. She often watched WNBA and NBA games during her downtime to stay motivated, drawing parallels between her team's strategies on the court and those required on the field, in NCAA-Basketball or within the BSF."
"Emboldened by the success of Operation Sindoor, Bhandari envisioned a time when women could excel not only in military roles but also in professional sports leagues such as the WNBA, demonstrating that the spirit of sports can unite and strengthen communities, whether in India or beyond the international border."
