New Delhi [India], October 31 (ANI): Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who also represented the Indian armed forces at press briefings during Operation Sindoor, on Friday acknowledged the role of the youth and the internet during the four-day conflict with Pakistan.

Addressing the Young Leaders Forum in New Delhi, Colonel Qureshi hailed the 'yuva shakti,' saying, 'War is not only fought in bunkers or with bullets, but also with bites and bandwidths.'

She noted that civilians also play a role in national security and carry the 'flame of patriotism.'

She said, 'Responsibilities for defending a nation are not just the military's game; civilians also play a role in addressing external and internal threats. Over the years, the Indian army has trained officers and troops in 'Saashtra' and 'Shashtra.' 'Saashtra' means knowledge, strategy, and wisdom, while 'Shashtra' means weaponry and warfare, representing a blend of intellect and strength.'

'Every generation has carried the flame of patriotism, from baby boomers to Gen Z. Be it seven decades ago or Operation Sindoor, you all have witnessed it. You, the 'Yuva Shakti of Bharat,' you are the force of multipliers. You are not only trained in firepower, but also in the firewalls. You are ready to face kinetic and non-kinetic domains. War is not only fought in bunkers or with bullets, but also with bites and bandwidths,' Col Qureshi added.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi added that Operation Sindoor brought a paradigm shift in warfare, highlighting the role of youth in peace, stability, and progress.

She said, 'India is one of the youngest nations in the world. Over 65 per cent of the population is under 35, which belongs to Gen Z. This is not just a demographic dividend. It is our strategic reserve. Youth have played a pivotal role, both in uniform and as civilians, in strengthening the national security framework.'

'The Operation Sindoor has brought about a paradigm shift in warfare, proving that peace, stability, and progress cannot be sustained without the participation of young minds and civilians. It has validated India's capability for multi-domain precision warfare and an extraordinary demonstration of price service synergy, jointness, integration, and self-reliance,' the army official added.

Earlier, Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi also lauded young military officers, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, and 'social media warriors' for their contributions during Operation Sindoor.

India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, killing 26 people. Inflicted by this heavy damage, Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO and a ceasefire was agreed upon with effect from 5 pm on May 10, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh participated in multiple press briefings on May 8, 9, and 10, led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. (ANI)