Operation Sindoor martyrs: Defence Ministry says homage paid early and gallantry awards conferred

India’s Defence Ministry said the nation honoured six martyrs of Operation Sindoor at the earliest opportunity and conferred gallantry awards as formal recognition of their sacrifice. The statement responded to claims circulated in media and on social platforms, including Congress allegations, that their martyrdom was not recognised publicly for a year after the 2025 operation.

The defence ministry said on Saturday that India honoured the six martyrs of Operation Sindoor at the first available chance. The ministry said their sacrifice was recognised through tributes and gallantry awards. The statement followed a public dispute over when the deaths were officially acknowledged. It said the fallen personnel would be remembered with due dignity and respect.

The remarks came after Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the government of delaying recognition for a year. The allegations were shared in social media posts on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, Pawan Khera also shared a link to a report. The ministry did not name anyone while responding to the claims.

Operation Sindoor martyrs: Defence ministry rejects delay claims

"Certain reports circulating in sections of the media and on social media platforms have incorrectly suggested that the supreme sacrifice of six bravehearts during Operation Sindoor have been acknowledged or brought to public notice for the first time only recently.\"

\"It is clarified that the nation paid homage to these fallen heroes at the earliest opportunity, well before the reports in question. During the official press conference held on May 11, 2025, then director general of military operations paid solemn tribute to these brave soldiers and specifically acknowledged their sacrifice in the line of duty during Operation Sindoor,\" the statement said.

The ministry said gallantry awards were announced and made public in a press release dated August 14, 2025. It said this served as formal national recognition of bravery and sacrifice. It also said the Indian Army’s official social media accounts posted tributes without delay. The ministry linked these actions to established service traditions.

Operation Sindoor martyrs: Ceremonies and awards for families

The ministry said the chief of the air staff presented the Sena Medal Gallantry on October 8, 2025. It also cited the Army Day Parade in Jaipur on January 15 this year. At that parade, the chief of the army staff presented the Sena Medal Gallantry to families of three soldiers. The ministry said these events showed continued commitment to honouring the dead.

It said the controversy was avoidable and lacked factual basis. The ministry warned that such claims could add to the pain of bereaved families. It also said the debate risked reducing the dignity owed to those who died in service. The statement stressed that respect for the fallen should remain central.

Operation Sindoor martyrs: Names added at National War Memorial

The names of six personnel have been engraved on a wall at the National War Memorial. The group included five Indian Army members and one from the IAF. Operation Sindoor was conducted to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 last year. The ministry described the engraving as a tribute to the fallen.

The names were placed on wall no. 3D of Tyag Chakra at the memorial. They are Subedar Major Pawan Kumar and Rifleman Sunil Kumar VrC. The list also includes Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar and Agniveer Mood Muralinaik. It further names Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh and IAF Sergeant Surendra Kumar.

The ministry said unit names of the six personnel were also engraved. It added that adding names to the memorial follows a set process. \"With regard to the engraving of the names of the fallen soldiers on the National War Memorial, it is emphasised that this sacred process is governed by an established and well-defined protocol. The defence forces follow these laid-down procedures with due diligence, care and reverence, commensurate with the solemnity of the honour being conferred,\" it said.

The ministry said the six personnel were national heroes whose sacrifice would inspire Indians. It said their memory would remain honoured with gratitude and reverence. The statement added that the Indian defence forces remained committed to recognising every soldier who dies defending the nation. It also reiterated that earlier tributes and later memorial steps were part of that duty.

With inputs from PTI