In a dramatic display of courage and tactical brilliance, nineteen CISF personnel successfully thwarted a major terrorist attack planned by Pakistan-based militants on the critical Uri Hydroelectric Power Plant in Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, codenamed 'Operation Sindoor,' unfolded on November 26, 2024, and represents one of the most significant security successes in recent times.
The Night That Tested India's Resolve
Under the cover of darkness, a group of heavily armed terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Uri Hydroelectric Power Plant (UHEP), a vital infrastructure asset that supplies electricity to significant portions of Jammu and Kashmir. The attackers, believed to be from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed group, aimed to destroy the facility and cause massive disruption in the region.
The timely intervention by 19 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel stationed at the plant prevented what could have been a catastrophic incident. These security personnel, who were specifically trained for such scenarios, detected suspicious movement near the perimeter around 2:30 AM and immediately initiated counter-measures.
How Operation Sindoor Unfolded
The CISF team, led by Assistant Commanders, employed sophisticated surveillance technology and ground intelligence to anticipate the attack. When the terrorists attempted to breach the security cordon, the CISF personnel engaged them in a fierce gun battle that lasted for approximately 45 minutes.
The security forces utilized strategic positioning and coordinated fire to neutralize the threat without suffering any casualties on their side. Intelligence reports later confirmed that the terrorists had received specific instructions from their handlers in Pakistan to target the power plant during the early hours when security might be relatively lighter.
Key elements of the successful operation included:
- Advanced surveillance systems detecting movement in prohibited zones
- Rapid response teams mobilizing within minutes of alert
- Strategic positioning that prevented terrorists from reaching critical infrastructure
- Coordinated efforts with local police and army units for backup support
Significance and Aftermath
The Uri Hydroelectric Power Plant represents crucial infrastructure for the region, with a capacity of 480 MW. Its destruction would have caused widespread power outages and significant economic damage across Jammu and Kashmir. This incident marks the fourth major attempt to target the Uri power facility since 2016, highlighting its strategic importance to terrorist groups.
Security agencies have heightened vigilance around all critical infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir following this incident. The successful operation has been hailed as a testament to India's improved counter-infiltration capabilities and the professionalism of its paramilitary forces.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has commended the CISF personnel for their exceptional bravery and alertness. Officials confirmed that all nineteen personnel involved in the operation will receive gallantry awards for their actions that prevented potential loss of life and infrastructure damage.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and increased attempts by Pakistan-based terror groups to destabilize the region. Security analysts note that targeting economic infrastructure represents a new dimension in the tactics employed by these groups, aiming to cause both immediate damage and long-term economic disruption.
