In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, India’s security response has been swift, coordinated, and lethal. As the world watched tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, two forces quietly shaped India’s assertive retaliation—its elite military strike capability and a secretive government document known as the Union War Book.
While Indian forces carried out Operation Sindoor, destroying nine major terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), top officials across Indian states and ministries were working off a confidential, 200-page war manual that has guided emergency responses and wartime functions for over a decade.
The Union War Book: India’s Secret Emergency Playbook
Not available in the public domain, the Union War Book is a limited-edition document—first compiled during colonial times and most recently revised in 2010. Despite its age, this classified manual has served as the central protocol guide during the ongoing military conflict.
Each state’s chief secretary and key Union ministries hold one copy. The book outlines procedures for national security, communications, food supply chains, social media monitoring, and administrative mobilization.
“It tells key officers exactly what to do in case of war—there’s no ambiguity, just a clear, structured chain of response,” a senior bureaucrat told HT on condition of anonymity.
Every year, the ministries of defence, home affairs, and the cabinet secretariat append technical updates—such as cyber threats, drone warfare, and misinformation campaigns—to keep the manual relevant.
During this conflict, officials have been seen activating sirens, preparing evacuation drills, and issuing cyber alerts—all actions aligned with protocols dictated by the war book. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reportedly referenced the manual in a closed-door emergency meeting, directing departments to follow its instructions to the letter.
Operation Sindoor: Nine Terror Camps Reduced to Rubble
Simultaneously, on the military front, Indian forces carried out a precision strike operation on May 7 that lasted just 23 minutes but delivered massive results. Under Operation Sindoor, Indian jets and loitering munitions flattened nine terror launch pads deep inside hostile territory. These included camps operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed—two of the deadliest Pakistan-based terror groups.
Terror Camps Destroyed in the Strike:
- Markaz Taiba, Muridke – LeT’s main command hub
- Markaz Subhan, Bahawalpur – A core JeM training base
- Mehmoona Joya – Known for links to the 2016 Pathankot attack
- Gulpur Camp (PoK) – Training facility for cross-border militants
- Sarjal Camp (PoK) – Suicide bombing indoctrination center
- Abbas Camp (PoK) – Advanced weapons training ground
- Sawai Nala Camp, Muzaffarabad – Major LeT camp near LoC
- Syedna Belal Camp (PoK) – Improvised explosives and IED training
- Barnala Camp (PoK) – Guerrilla warfare and sabotage training
Indian Air Force sources confirmed that Rafale jets deployed SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs to deliver the blow. Over 100 terrorists were reported killed, including high-ranking JeM commander Abdul Rauf Azhar, brother of Masood Azhar and mastermind behind several major terror attacks.
“This is not a one-off strike; this is the new normal in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine,” a senior defence official said.
Pakistan condemned the strike, calling it a violation of sovereignty and alleging civilian casualties—claims India has strongly denied. Pakistan also claimed to have downed Indian aircraft, a statement the Indian Air Force refuted with proof of all aircraft returning safely.
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Strategic Significance
Operation Sindoor and the activation of the Union War Book together reflect India’s new approach—decisive, coordinated, and proactive. From cyber surveillance and media control to logistics and civil defense, the nation’s war preparedness was quietly orchestrated behind the scenes even as bombs fell on terror camps.
While officials hope the situation de-escalates and the Union War Book can return to its locked cabinet, the past week has shown that India is not only prepared for war—but ready to lead with precision and control.
