Hours after the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Pakistan Army attempted to strike the strategically vital Uri hydroelectric power project near the LoC. The attack was successfully repulsed with no damage to the installation, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), tasked with safeguarding key national infrastructure, stated on Tuesday.
The CISF disclosure came during a ceremony at its headquarters in New Delhi where Director General’s Discs – one of the force’s highest operational commendations – were conferred upon 19 personnel who were on duty at the Uri Hydro Electric Power Projects (UHEP-I and UHEP-II) on the night of May 6-7. These personnel neutralised hostile drones launched toward the facility and carried out large-scale civilian evacuation under intense Pakistani shelling and small-arms fire.
Describing the sequence of events, the CISF said in its official account, “Operation Sindoor, conducted by the Indian Army during the intervening night of May 6-7, targeted terrorist hideouts across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In retaliation, the Pakistan Army launched intense and indiscriminate shelling on Indian territory, endangering vital infrastructure, including the Uri hydro-power projects, and threatening nearby civilian populations. Positioned barely a few kilometres from the Line of Control (LoC), CISF units at the NHPC installations found themselves at the forefront of this sudden escalation.”
Despite the heavy volume of fire, the CISF team, led on the ground by Commandant Ravi Yadav, immediately initiated protective protocols to shield both the power plants and the adjoining township. The force stated, “During the most volatile phases of the exchange, CISF troops neutralised hostile drones targeting the installations and secured armoury stockpiles by swiftly redistributing weapons to prevent potential destruction. Throughout the crisis, the integrity of critical national assets remained intact due to their vigilance and preparedness. As shells struck close to residential complexes, CISF personnel undertook door-to-door evacuation of civilians – including women, children, NHPC staff and their families – often amidst ongoing shelling.”
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A senior officer familiar with the events at Uri that night told reporters that the hydroelectric complex was among the very first targets selected by Pakistan.
“The Uri projects are right at the LoC so it was the first to be targeted. The government’s intelligence network was strong and the on-ground troops were prepared. Not only were drones shot down but a massive evacuation was also done without any loss of life,” the officer said.
The 19 awardees received their DG’s Discs in recognition of exceptional courage, presence of mind, and professional excellence displayed while ensuring zero damage to the 480 MW Uri-I and 240 MW Uri-II power stations and the safe evacuation of hundreds of civilians living in the project township located in one of the most heavily militarised zones along the LoC.
The successful defence of the Uri hydroelectric plants underscores the readiness of India’s security forces manning critical infrastructure even as cross-border tensions flared in the immediate aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
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