What is Indian Army's Operation 500?

Recently the Indian army has launched Operation 500. It is one of the many missions of the Indian Army such as Operation Polo or Operation Vijay etc. Take a look at the details below. 

Operation 500: Why in news?

Operation 500 is news due to its link to the Nagrota incident that took place on November 19, 2020, where many Indian soldiers were injured and four terrorists were gunned down. It was informed after the incident that the terrorists were in touch with the handlers in Pakistan.

The army also informed that 270-300 terrorists are present in Pakistan at various launchpads, and try to enter India through Kashmir, while 193 to 200 terrorists are present in areas facing Jammu. The Nagrota terrorists also had undergone commando training in one of the terrorist training camps of Pakistan as per the sources. 

Operation 500- Details 

• After almost 5600 Ceasefire Violation attempts since the abrogation of Article 370 and strong retaliation of the Indian forces, the Army was continuously thwarting Pakistan's supply of weapons and the infiltration plot. For this Indian Army launched 'Operation 500'.
• As many as 500 terrorists are being trained by Pakistan to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir from different launchpads across the LoC. This is why the task has been named Operation 500.

Significance of Operation 500 

• The Indian Army has rehabilitated more than 200 boys (young teenagers, or in the early twenties) from terrorism to the mainstream. They were brainwashed by the Pakistani terrorists and were being prepared for intrusion and supplying arms in the valley. This mission would give a push to this cause
• There are 42 different Terror Camps and Launching Pads, from where Pakistan is attempting to conduct its terrorist activities. The army of the neighboring nation is also providing a human shield to such terrorist camps. The mission will be helpful in creating deterrence for the neighbor. 

What is Line of Control

The line of control is the de facto boundary that lies between the Indian and Pakistani controlled parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a military control line that does not constitute a legally recognized international boundary. However Pakistani troops have on various occasions tried to alter the areas under their control in large-scale operations. As a result, India has also conducted various operations in retaliation.

Historical Background of Operations conducted:

The Operation Meghdoot conducted in 1984 in retaliation for Pakistan trying to occupy the Siachen glacier, the famous Kargil War in 1999, the Chamb raid in 2000, Operation Ginger Sharda sector, across the Neelam River valley in Kel as a response to ceasefire break in Poonch. India has however never imposed any attack on any of its neighbors beforehand. 

Operation 500: Way forward

The army of Pakistan, due to constant scrutiny and defense by the Indian forces has changed many locations of its training camps and is now on the back foot. The Indian Army has also been successful to rehabilitate many terrorists and youngsters who were being dragged into such activities. 

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