Colonel Sophia Qureshi’s public briefing on the military operation against Pakistan delivered a powerful message to the global community and played a vital role in easing communal tensions within India.
The decision to have Col. Qureshi – a decorated Muslim woman officer in the Indian Army – address the media was both symbolically and strategically significant. At a time of heightened communal strain, her presence underscored the Army’s commitment to unity and inclusion. This deliberate choice conveyed a strong message of national integrity and reinforced the idea that India’s strength lies in its diversity.
The backdrop to her appearance was the tragic Pahalgam incident, in which 26 tourists were killed by terrorists who reportedly verified their victims’ religious identity before the attack. In the aftermath, more than 65 incidents of anti-Muslim violence were reported across the country. In such a volatile climate, the Army’s leadership recognised the importance of countering divisive narratives and chose to emphasise national solidarity through the symbolism of Col. Qureshi’s briefing.
The terrorists’ objective was not only to kill innocent civilians but also to inflame Hindu-Muslim tensions nationwide. Sadly, some extremist elements in the majority community responded exactly as the terrorists intended – by targeting Indian Muslims, thus playing into the hands of those who sought to destabilise the country. These retaliatory attacks weakened the very social fabric the terrorists aimed to unravel.
Foreign-sponsored terrorists may have orchestrated the Pahalgam attack, but the internal response from right-wing groups – who lashed out at innocent Muslims – was equally troubling. Indian Muslims, uninvolved in the violence, were wrongly viewed through the lens of Pakistan’s actions. This reflects a deeply flawed and dangerous mindset that unfairly associates Indian Muslims with the neighbouring state. Unfortunately, studies and investigative reports indicate that such biases are prevalent not only in society but also within parts of the police and civil services, especially among lower- and mid-level officials. This reality presents a serious challenge to maintaining communal harmony and upholding the constitutional values of equality and justice.
Col. Qureshi’s globally televised briefing on Operation Sindoor sent a strong, unambiguous message: India remains united. Her role as a Muslim woman officer in the Army directly challenged the terrorists’ attempt to polarise communities. By showcasing inclusivity at the highest level of national defence, the armed forces undermined the extremists’ agenda. This strategic and symbolic move struck a blow to the morale of the attackers and their sponsors by demonstrating that their divisive tactics would not succeed. The Army’s leadership deserves recognition for this timely and effective response.
At the beginning of the briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Mistry clearly stated that the attack was designed to incite communal strife. While there were pockets of violence, the majority of the Indian public refused to fall into the trap. One of the most moving expressions of this national resilience came from HimanshiNarwal, wife of Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam attack. In a moment of deep grief, she publicly urged citizens not to target Muslims or Kashmiris – an appeal that reflected strength, compassion, and a commitment to national unity.
Tragically, instead of being celebrated, Himanshi faced a vicious online backlash. The hostility she endured was deeply unjust; her message deserved praise, not vilification. Her experience highlighted the toxic political climate in which efforts to bridge communal divides are sometimes met with hostility – fuelled by forces that benefit from perpetuating sectarian rifts.
Had largescale communal violence erupted in response to the Pahalgam attack, its aftermath might have been even more damaging than the incident itself. Perhaps this risk is precisely why the Army entrusted Col. Qureshi with delivering the briefing. Her presence not only sent a clear signal to Pakistan but also to domestic actors attempting to frame the tragedy as a Hindu-Muslim conflict: such narratives would not be allowed to take root.
In a remarkable display of solidarity, Muslims across J&K observed a complete shutdown the day after the attack. For the first time since terrorism began affecting the region in the 1990s, Kashmiris spontaneously and collectively condemned the act of terror. Their unified response sent a resounding moral message: terrorism would not be tolerated. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the region’s reaction, emphasising that such unity is essential to defeating terrorism.
Kashmiris extended full support and hospitality to tourists, regardless of religion. This unprecedented show of compassion and solidarity from the local population marked a significant shift and conveyed a powerful message about the true spirit of the people of Kashmir.
Though some incidents of backlash against Kashmiri students occurred in states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, tensions subsided once it became evident that Kashmiri Muslims stood with the victims – not with the perpetrators. This change in public perception was an encouraging sign and deserves acknowledgment from administrators and leaders across the country.
Major Muslim organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack and extended full support to the government and armed forces. Their statements further reinforced the national consensus against terrorism and the need for unity.
The Pahalgam attack posed a grave challenge to India’s internal harmony. But through measured responses – such as Col. Qureshi’s briefing, HimanshiNarwal’s courageous appeal, and the solidarity shown by Kashmiris and Muslim organisations – the nation pushed back against the forces of division. These moments must be remembered and built upon as India continues to strive for a more inclusive and resilient future.