Hours after India launched Operation Sindoor, forces from neighbouring Pakistan reportedly opened fire on the Uri Hydroelectric Plant — a strategic facility just kilometres from the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The strike came late the same night, but prompt action by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) prevented any damage, the force said on Tuesday.
CISF announced that the structural integrity of the plant remained intact. No civilian or staff injuries occurred. The early warning and swift defense are credited to the vigilance and courage of on-duty personnel.
CISF Honors Brave Officers
At a ceremony in New Delhi, the CISF awarded the Director General’s Disc to 19 personnel who stood guard at the Uri plant (units UHEP-I and UHEP-II) during the crisis. Among those honoured were Commandant Ravi Yadav, Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh, and Assistant Commandant Subash Kumar, who coordinated the defense efforts.
CISF Personnel Honoured With The DG’s Disc For Exceptional Bravery During Operation Sindoor
Amid intense cross-border shelling in May 2025, CISF teams at Uri Hydro Electric Projects displayed extraordinary courage, safeguarding vital national assets and evacuating 250 civilians… pic.twitter.com/NPd0KkHaVp
— CISF (@CISFHQrs) November 25, 2025
Others awarded include inspectors, head constables, and constables who have made critical contributions — from intercepting hostile drones to evacuating civilians under heavy fire.
A CISF spokesperson praised the awarded team: they “upheld the highest traditions of the force, displaying rare courage under fire and unwavering commitment to national security.”
What Went Down That Night
According to the CISF summary, soon after Operation Sindoor’s cross-border strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Pakistani forces retaliated with intense, indiscriminate shelling on Indian territory. The Uri hydropower facility emerged as a primary target.
CISF units on site remained alert. They intercepted hostile drones, secured armouries, moved critical equipment, and evacuated plant staff and families living nearby — even as shells landed close to residential quarters.
One insider described the night as “volatile,” with moments of heavy gunfire and the risk looming large over civilians and infrastructure alike.
A Near Miss for Critical Infrastructure
The Uri plant supplies power to large areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Had the attack succeeded, it could have disrupted electricity supply, affected water management, and jeopardized civilian safety.
Instead, CISF’s fast response ensured the power units kept operating. The quick coordination among security teams, guards, and rescue staff proved decisive.
Significance Beyond the Award Ceremony
This incident underscores how civilian infrastructure — not just military outposts — can become targets during cross-border escalations. The swift intervention by CISF highlights the importance of robust security protocols at vulnerable sites near the Line of Control.
For the personnel honoured today, the award is not just a recognition of bravery — it acknowledges that in modern conflicts, protecting power lines and plants can be as critical as defending front-line posts.
