Missile Debris Found in Srinagar’s Dal Lake: Shocking Remains of Pakistan’s Strike During Operation Sindoor

Srinagar, September 22, 2025 — A major discovery shocked locals and officials in Srinagar on Sunday. During a routine clean-up of the famous Dal Lake, workers pulled out a large metallic piece. To their surprise, experts believe it is debris from a missile fired by Pakistan months ago during Operation Sindoor. Authorities say the part is most likely from a Fatah-1 guided artillery rocket, a weapon known to have been used by Pakistan earlier this year.

The Discovery During Cleaning

The finding took place on September 22, 2025, when a group of men working to clear weeds and waste from Dal Lake noticed something unusual. Under the water was a heavy metallic object, partly buried in mud. At first, they thought it was scrap iron. But the shape and weight raised suspicion.

Officials were quickly alerted. Jammu and Kashmir Police arrived, followed by bomb disposal experts. The object was carefully examined. Authorities later confirmed that the debris resembled part of a guided rocket system.

Eyewitnesses at the site said it caused panic. Many tourists and locals had gathered around. The sight of soldiers pulling out missile parts from the famous lake shocked everyone.

Link to Earlier Incident

This was not the first time locals had spoken about missiles in Dal Lake. On May 10, 2025, during the tense days of Operation Sindoor, loud explosions were heard in Srinagar. Residents saw a missile-like object falling into the lake. Smoke was seen rising from the water surface. Security teams retrieved some fragments at that time.

However, it now appears that some parts remained hidden underwater. Months later, these leftover pieces surfaced during the lake cleaning drive. Officials believe the newly recovered fragment is from the same strike.

What Is the Fatah-1 Rocket?

The Fatah-1 is a guided multiple launch rocket system developed by Pakistan. It is capable of carrying heavy warheads over distances of up to 140 kilometers. Military experts say it is a modern system, designed to strike with precision.

If the rocket had exploded in Dal Lake, the results could have been devastating. The lake is surrounded by hotels, houseboats, and homes. Thousands of tourists visit daily. Even a partial blast could have caused casualties, property damage, and serious environmental harm.

Why Was It Fired?

The missile strike is linked to Operation Sindoor, launched by India in May 2025. That operation was a military response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, in which 26 innocent people were killed. India targeted terrorist camps inside Pakistan and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

In retaliation, Pakistan launched its own counter-strikes, which included the firing of Fatah-1 rockets. One of these rockets, experts now say, landed in Dal Lake.

Authorities Step In

After the recovery on September 22, the debris was handed over to the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Later, some parts were also sent to the Indian Air Force for technical study. Bomb disposal units ensured the fragment was safe and no explosive material remained active.

Forensic labs will now test the piece. The aim is to confirm its exact origin, design, and manufacturing details. Officials believe the investigation will further prove Pakistan’s direct involvement in the May strikes.

Safety Concerns

The discovery has raised many questions. How much unexploded material might still be lying under the waters of Dal Lake? Could there be other fragments of the same rocket? Authorities are planning to conduct further underwater checks.

Experts also warn that lake debris from explosives is not only a safety threat to people but also to the environment. Chemicals from missiles can pollute the water, harm fish, and disturb the fragile ecosystem of the Dal Lake.

Local boatmen, who depend on the lake for livelihood, are worried. One shikara owner said, “We row boats here every day. Tourists come with families. If such things are inside the lake, who can feel safe?”

Public Reaction

News of the recovery spread quickly in Srinagar. Many residents remembered the May incident. At that time, people were already anxious because of the loud explosions and smoke. Now, seeing missile debris again has reopened fears.

Tourists visiting Dal Lake were surprised. Some said they never thought such a famous and peaceful site could be linked to a military strike. For locals, however, this has become a reminder of how the Kashmir Valley often finds itself caught between two nuclear powers.

Operation Sindoor and Its Impact

Operation Sindoor itself was one of the biggest military campaigns launched by India in recent years. The Indian Air Force and Army struck several militant camps with precision missiles and fighter jets.

The operation was described by Indian officials as a necessary step after the brutal Pahalgam attack. However, Pakistan strongly denied involvement in the attack and accused India of aggression. It then launched its own retaliatory action, which included the missile strikes that hit parts of Kashmir.

The discovery of debris in Dal Lake proves that those tense days still leave behind visible reminders. Even months later, the conflict continues to cast a shadow.

What Happens Next?

Officials have said they will step up surveillance of Dal Lake. There are also plans to involve Navy divers to check for more hidden material. The Air Force’s investigation report will also reveal technical details about the missile.

Meanwhile, security agencies are treating the matter seriously. They want to ensure no further risk to public life.

The finding of missile debris in Dal Lake is more than just a technical discovery. It shows how deeply conflicts can touch civilian lives. What should have been an ordinary clean-up of one of India’s most beautiful tourist spots turned into a reminder of war and danger.

As Srinagar returns to daily life, people cannot ignore the fact that parts of a deadly weapon were lying under the waters where children play and tourists ride boats. For them, this is a stark warning that peace in the region remains fragile.