BRIGADIER DR KIRAN THACKER (Retd)
The national festival seems to have begun! We finally did what the nation wanted after 12 days of the Pulwama attack! It is heartening to know that our pre-emptive air strike in wake of Pulwama comes in just precisely on the 12TH day. Much earlier than perhaps Pakis would have anticipated.
This air strike is unique in more than one way. One, it reflects a strong political will, so far been elusive. It is the most striking decision taken by our government post the Kargil war in sanctioning this punitive action across the Line of Control. Two, Pak’s military doctrine of bleeding India with THOUSAND cuts has been adequately responded with dropping a THOUSAND-pound bomb on JeM terror camp at Balakot.
Three, India joins the elite and powerful club of countries like the US and the Israel to reach out and penetrate into a different country and destroy a terrorist infrastructure by using its airpower. It is a matter of our imagination as to how this pre-emptive air strike has been planned, coordinated and seamlessly executed!! Kudos to our Air Force!
The Indian Armed Forces are now ready and on full vigil to thwart any retaliation by Pak. Though Pak has very limited options to retaliate and any such misadventure, if any, would invite the complete wrath of the mighty Armed Forces of our country as well as that of the international community because it will be deemed as a direct war! To the countrymen, I appeal not to fall prey to fake and false propaganda on the social media which appears to be on the rampant.
Writer had joined the GRENADIERS regiment (Tiger Hill fame), of the Indian Army as a commissioned officer in 1980. The officer has served three tenures in Kashmir between 1995 and 2008. He has distinction to command a brigade in the Kargil Batalik sector in 2009- 2010.
(Views expressed are those of the author)
Let’s pray for our pilot’s health and return soon
Retaliation from Pakistan was expected and we are fully prepared for it. I am proud of our country and army men. We have prevented their attacks, except this unfortunate clash. I hope and pray that they return the pilot ASAP. America and other countries will definitely put pressure on Pak. Morale of people should remain intact as it was and we should avoid any panic.
Vinay Agnihotri Retired Inspector General
I was quite a little child when Kargil war happened. I am proud of our country’s army, but I am also worried about the side-effects of war. This attack has made us realise the power of our country and is also an eye-opener for us. We don’t realise the gift of safety that our army gives us.”
Khushboo Tarani Management Student
I cannot imagine what goes on at the border; it is a war every day. I am so proud of our army. I am worried about the pilot, who is in Pakistan custody. I pray for his safe return home. India is very strong and we shall fight back, but war definitely has its consequences.”
Aditi Dixit HR Professional
Pakistan response was seen after its quick reaction jets scrambled for interception but the Indian jets turned back. However, the pilot in Pakistan must be returned to India at the earliest. The situation can take a turn for the worse if Pak does not stop hosting terrorists.
Akanksha Jain Sales head
Our army stand at the borders, fighting for all of us. I am proud of Indian Army. However, I have come across several army officers and some have also advised us to be responsible citizens. At times, we lose our cool and are raring to express our anger and concern but this attitude does not help the situation. India is a strong country and we have an army that can defend us. We must pray for the safety and return of the pilot.”
Ashish Pinjani Marketing student
It’s time for us to unite and act as responsible citizens. Lives of the defence personnel are at stake just for our safety. Let’s not add fuel to the fire and pray things don’t go haywire. We must support our country in every way possible.”
Priyanka Nair Blogger