New Delhi – In a dramatic display of courage and preparedness, India’s Central Industrial Security Force successfully thwarted a major attack on critical infrastructure during one of the most volatile nights along the Line of Control this year. The Uri hydro plant attack was repelled by vigilant security personnel who not only protected vital installations but also saved numerous civilian lives during intense cross-border hostilities.
Operation Sindoor Triggers Retaliatory Strike
The Uri hydro plant attack occurred hours after India launched Operation Sindoor during the intervening night of May 6-7, 2025. The military operation specifically targeted terrorist hideouts across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, prompting an aggressive response from Pakistani forces. In retaliation, the Pakistan Army launched intense and indiscriminate shelling on Indian territory, deliberately endangering vital infrastructure and threatening civilian populations living near the border areas.
The Uri Hydro Electric Power Projects (UHEP-I and II), positioned barely a few kilometers from the Line of Control, found themselves at the forefront of this sudden escalation. These strategic installations, operated by NHPC, represent critical national assets that provide essential power infrastructure to the region.
CISF Personnel Rise to the Challenge
When the Uri hydro plant attack began, CISF units stationed at the NHPC installations immediately sprang into action. Under the leadership of Deputy Commandant Ravi Yadav, the security team initiated comprehensive protective measures to shield both the installations and the surrounding township from the barrage of Pakistani shelling.
Despite facing heavy gunfire and explosive shells, the CISF personnel maintained their positions and executed their duties with exceptional professionalism. Their primary objective was clear: protect the hydroelectric infrastructure at all costs while ensuring the safety of civilian residents in the area.
Neutralizing Aerial Threats
A critical component of defending against the Uri hydro plant attack involved countering hostile drones that were specifically targeting the installations. CISF troops successfully neutralized these unmanned aerial vehicles before they could cause any damage to the vital infrastructure. This quick response demonstrated the preparedness and training of the security forces deployed at these strategic locations.
Additionally, the team secured armoury stockpiles by swiftly redistributing weapons to prevent potential destruction. This tactical decision ensured that defensive capabilities remained intact throughout the crisis, allowing personnel to maintain a robust security posture during the most volatile phases of the exchange.
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Massive Civilian Evacuation Operation
As the Uri hydro plant attack intensified, CISF personnel undertook one of the most challenging aspects of their mission: evacuating civilians from harm’s way. As shells struck dangerously close to residential complexes, security forces conducted door-to-door evacuations, ensuring that women, children, NHPC staff, and their families were moved to safer locations.
This evacuation operation was carried out amidst ongoing shelling, requiring extraordinary courage and determination from the CISF personnel. The fact that this massive evacuation was completed without any loss of life stands as a testament to the professionalism and dedication of these security forces.
Recognition for Exceptional Service
In recognition of their exemplary performance during the Uri hydro plant attack, nineteen CISF personnel were awarded the prestigious Director General’s Disc at a ceremony held at CISF headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday. This honor acknowledges the exceptional courage and dedication displayed by these individuals during one of the most challenging nights in recent memory along the Line of Control.
The award ceremony highlighted the crucial role that paramilitary forces such as CRPF, CISF, and ITBP play in providing protection for strategic installations and civilian populations under various security covers across the country.
Strategic Significance of Uri Projects
An officer familiar with the events of that night revealed that the hydroelectric projects were among the first targets during the Pakistani retaliation. “The Uri projects are right at the LOC so it was the first to be targeted,” the officer explained. However, the government’s robust intelligence network and well-prepared ground troops ensured that the Uri hydro plant attack was effectively neutralized.
The officer further emphasized that not only were hostile drones shot down, but the massive evacuation operation was also completed without any casualties, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the security response.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure
The successful defense against the Uri hydro plant attack underscores the importance of maintaining vigilant security at strategic installations, particularly those located in proximity to volatile border areas. The Uri hydroelectric projects represent critical national assets that provide essential power infrastructure to the region, making their protection a matter of national importance.
Throughout the crisis, the integrity of these critical installations remained completely intact due to the vigilance and preparedness of CISF personnel stationed there.
Lessons in Preparedness
The events surrounding the Uri hydro plant attack demonstrate the effectiveness of proper training, intelligence sharing, and coordinated response mechanisms. The CISF personnel’s ability to simultaneously neutralize aerial threats, secure weapons stockpiles, protect infrastructure, and evacuate civilians showcases the multi-dimensional nature of modern security operations.
As tensions along the Line of Control continue to pose challenges, the successful thwarting of the Uri hydro plant attack serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and professionalism of India’s security forces who stand guard over the nation’s critical assets and civilian populations in the most challenging circumstances.
