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Who is Obaidullah Syed, the owner of the Pakistani company that partnered with US firm to sell high-resolution images of Pahalgam before terror attack

Dibakar Dutta
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Who is Obaidullah Syed, the owner of the Pakistani company that partnered with US firm to sell high-resolution images of Pahalgam before terror attack

The US-based company, Maxar Technologies, has come under the scanner for providing high-resolution satellite images of Pahalgam and the adjoining sensitive areas just 2 months before the deadly terror attack that took place on 22nd April this year. It was additionally revealed that Maxar Technologies partnered with a Pakistan-based geospatial company, previously indicted by the US government.

Following the controversy, the US-based satellite imagery company removed the Pakistan-based Business System International (BSI) Private Limited as one of its partners. In a statement, the company also claimed that BSI did not place any orders for high-resolution images of Pahalgam.

The US government’s Homeland Security Investigation (HIS) filed a complaint against BSI as early as 2020. But this did not stop Maxar from onboarding BSI as a customer, then as a partner.

It is thus important to know about Obaidullah Syed, the owner of the Pakistan-based Business System International (BSI) Private Limited, which lies at the epicentre of the controversy.

Charges against BSI owner Obaidullah Syed

In September 2020, it was reported in the media that Obaidullah Syed was arrested and taken into federal custody.

He illegally exported high-performance servers, computing platforms and software application solutions to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) from the United States between 2006 to 2015.

The other exports were made to research institutes that train PAEC scientists and engineers.

For the unversed, PAEC is a Pakistani government agency which is involved in the design and testing of nuclear weapon parts, uranium mining and the development of ballistic missiles.

The US government had designated the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) as an ‘entity’ which poses an extraordinary threat to the country’s economy, foreign policy and national security.

This, however, did not stop Obaidullah Syed from operating without a licence and necessary government approval from the US Department of Commerce. He was openly flouting the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and foreign trade regulations.

The accused deliberately misrepresented to the computer manufacturers in the United States that the shipments were being made to Pakistani universities and his businesses.

Obaidullah Syed also faked US government shipping documents and made a false list of importers in the ‘Shippers Export Declarations.’ At that time, the accused was 65 years old.

The Pakistani-American criminal owns the Karachi-based Business System International (BSI) Private Limited and BSI USA, which is based in Chicago. Both these companies were involved in carrying out the illegal exports. It claims to have been operational since 1980. It has branches in Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad.

According to a report by The Investigative Project on Terrorism, Obaidullah Syed pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him in October 2021.

Obaidullah Syed sentenced to federal prison

In May 2022, the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois issued a press release highlighting the sentencing of the Pakistani-American criminal to a year and a day in federal prison.

The Business System International (BSI) Private Limited was also charged as a ‘corporate defendant’ in the conspiracy.

It had also come to light that Obaidullah Syed had forfeited $2,47,000 (~PKR 6.93 crores) from his criminal proceeds to the US government.

Syed’s criminal antecedents were exposed by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security-Office of Export Enforcement.

In a statement, Chicago-based HSI special agent Angie Salazar said, “This federal sentencing is a significant victory for HSI in our continuous efforts to prevent the illicit networks behind attempted thefts of our nation’s military assets and sensitive controlled technology. Let this be a reminder to our adversaries that the United States will stop at nothing to protect and defend our national security.”

BSI and deep connections with Pakistan

As per a report by The Print published on Monday (12th May), the Homeland Security Investigation (HIS) noted in its 2020 complaint, “BSI purchases satellite images from a Colorado-based company and then sells those images to an unspecified arm of the Pakistan Government.”

BSI owner Obaidullah Syed also has strong connections with the National Development Complex (NDC), the aerospace agency of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Pakistan.

He had sent multiple emails to the principal scientific officer of Pakistan’s Directorate of Science Division between 2006 to 2020.

HIS noted, “On or about April 28, 2015, a BSI-Pakistan employee emailed his colleagues a copy of a bank check received from the NDC, which special agents obtained pursuant to a warrant to search another BSI-Pakistan employee email account.”

It had also come to light that orders for high-resolution satellite images of Pahalgam started being placed soon after onboarding BSI as a partner of Maxar Technologies.

The Background of the Controversy

According to a report by The Print on Friday (9th May), Maxar Technologies received 12 orders between 2nd February and 22nd February this year for high-resolution images of Pahalgam and sensitive areas like Anantnag, Poonch, Rajouri, and Baramulla.

The purchases were made on 12th February, 15th February, 18th February, 21st February, and 22nd February. No orders were placed in March 2025. One order for high-resolution image of Pahalgam was made on 12th April, i.e. 10 days before the terror attack.

Two additional purchases were made on 24th April and 29th April. Each high-resolution satellite image costs upwards of ₹3 lakhs.

Data and image via The Print

The high-resolution images are used by defence agencies across the globe to monitor weapon installations, infrastructure development, troop movements, smuggling and illegal border crossings and conduct facial profiles of individuals walking on the streets.

An ISRO scientist told The Print, “Satellite surveillance has become the backbone of any country’s intelligence. While it is unclear whether these images could have been used for planning the April 22 attacks in Pahalgam, India could ask Maxar to conduct an investigation into the ordered images.”

Maxar Technologies has Government and Defence agencies as its clients. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and 11 space tech startups have availed the services of the US-based company.

Indian regions for which order was placed with Maxar Technologies, image obtained by The Print

Maxar Technologies had partnered with Business Systems International Pvt Ltd (BSI) in 2023 despite being indicted in 2020 and its owner sentenced as recently as 2022.

It must be mentioned that a paying partner of Maxar Technologies can have access to the order of high-resolution satellite images placed by other partners unless it is ‘confidential.’

“The problem is that they (Maxar) are a business enterprise. They will provide services to anyone who is paying them…Of course, there are challenges when you depend on a third party for surveillance data. They have no obligation to be loyal to you,” an ISRO scientist told The Print.

Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor

On 22nd April this year, 4 Islamic terrorists sponsored by Pakistan killed 26 innocent civilians (primarily Hindus) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

In response, the Modi government launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on 7th May to avenge the killings.

India has so far displayed its military prowess through different phases of Operation Sindoor, striking 9 Pakistani terror camps, multiple air defence systems, 10 military bases and 2 radio stations.

This forced Pakistan to beg the United States for help and initiate a ‘ceasefire’ call with India.

Did India hit Pakistan’s nuclear site during Operation Sindoor? Viral ‘Radiological Safety Bulletin’ purportedly issued by Islamabad fuels speculations

Jinit Jain
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Did India hit Pakistan’s nuclear site during Operation Sindoor? Viral ‘Radiological Safety Bulletin’ purportedly issued by Islamabad fuels speculations

A document labeled “Radiological Safety Bulletin” from the Government of Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, dated 13 May 2025, has surfaced on the internet, igniting a storm of speculation. It alleges a confirmed radiation leak at a facility located in Northern Pakistan, attributing the incident to a mechanical failure during the transfer of an Indium-192 capsule used for non-destructive testing (NDT).

Purported ‘Radiological Safety Bulletin’ by Pakistani govt has gone viral on social media

The document—marked “CONFIDENTIAL – IMMEDIATE RELEASE”—details exposure levels, containment efforts, and environmental assessments. But more than what it says, it is when it says it that raises eyebrows. The radiation leak is reported to have occurred on 11 May 2025, a full day after ceasefire was brokered between the two nations as India’s massive cross-border response crippled Pakistan’s air defence and strike capabilities.

Several social media users have shared the document on X, contributing to the claims that India’s airstrike in response to Pakistani retaliation had struck sites that may have housed nuclear facilities. 

However, a critical caveat must be underscored: The authenticity of this bulletin cannot be vouched for. It may very well be a fabrication—similar to other alleged Government of Pakistan releases that have recently done the rounds on social media, such as the bogus press statements regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s alleged sexual assault in custody and even false reports of his death. The fact that the document mentions the radiological leak took place at around “24-55” hours also reveals that the purported bulletin is probably a fake document.

Online speculation surrounding India’s purported strikes near a Pakistani nuclear facility has only added fuel to the credibility of the so-called ‘Radiological Safety Bulletin,’ which has rapidly gone viral across the internet.

In the fog of war and political chaos, disinformation campaigns are rampant, and caution is essential when interpreting such documents.

What does the purported ‘Radiological Safety Bulletin’ reveal

If we temporarily accept the document at face value, several developments emerge that merit attention:

1. Timing & context

The radiation leak coincides exactly with India’s reported surgical air and missile strikes across key Pakistani Air Force (PAF) installations—from Skardu to Masroor—as part of Operation Sindoor. Notably, within 48 hours of these strikes, a ceasefire was abruptly brokered, despite Pakistan’s earlier belligerent posture.

2. Sensitive material & institutional involvement

The leaked document references Indium-192, a radioactive isotope commonly used in industrial testing but also potentially found in dual-use facilities that may fall under Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure. The fact that the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) were involved suggests this was not just a private industrial accident.

3. Panic in the top ranks

There have been credible reports indicating that Pakistan’s top leadership sought urgent U.S. intervention after India’s retaliation, fearing that New Delhi might target Pakistan’s nuclear command infrastructure. According to diplomatic sources, India’s strikes had generated panic about the vulnerability of Pakistan’s so-called nuclear deterrent.

4. Actions taken Post-Leak

The memo states that exposure levels hit 14.2 mSv/hour at the incident site, prompting a 300-meter precautionary zoneand emergency medical screenings. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was formally notified, and an independent audit was launched—unusual measures for a supposedly minor mechanical failure.

A Nuclear close call?

Even if the bulletin turns out to be a hoax or disinformation, the circumstances surrounding Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s sudden shift from aggression to diplomacy, and widespread unverified rumors of a nuclear scare, all point toward a serious internal crisis in Pakistan’s strategic establishment.

If the bulletin is real, even partially, it would mean that India’s strikes came dangerously close to—or directly impacted—a sensitive nuclear-linked site, shaking the core assumptions of South Asia’s deterrence stability. This may explain Islamabad’s desperation for an immediate ceasefire and international mediation.

Whether India struck Pakistan’s nuclear site or not, message conveyed was received loud and clear

While this document’s authenticity remains unverified and it could very well be fake news, the strategic behavior exhibited by both countries post-conflict tells its own story. Whether India struck a nuclear-adjacent facility or simply demonstrated its capacity to do so, the message was received loud and clear in Rawalpindi.

At the very least, the viral bulletin—real or not—has reignited the debate about the credibility and survivability of Pakistan’s nuclear command infrastructure under real-time kinetic pressure. And that alone, in the cutthroat logic of deterrence, may have changed the rules of the game.

Congress tries to take credit for BrahMos, but avoids mentioning how they kept delaying, and never took any action despite multiple terrorist attacks by Pakistan

Anurag
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Congress tries to take credit for BrahMos, but avoids mentioning how they kept delaying, and never took any action despite multiple terrorist attacks by Pakistan

On 12th May, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to X to give a carefully packaged history lesson on the BrahMos missile. He discussed the Indo-Russian collaboration, the initial agreements during then-Prime Minister I. K. Gujral’s tenure, and the subsequent milestones under then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, followed by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The idea of his post on X was to emphasise Congress’s role in the development and integration of the BrahMos missile in the Indian Armed Forces.

Notably, BrahMos is in discussion because of its possible use in Operation Sindoor, the military operation against terrorists in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir that expanded to the military assets of Pakistan, particularly on the night of May 10, when India pounded 10 Pakistani air bases with precision hits.

Though the Indian Government and DGMOs of the Indian Armed Forces have not specified which targets were hit with BrahMos, there are definitive media reports and expert opinions that it was indeed used. Operation Sindoor was initiated as a response to 22nd April Pahalgam terrorist attack by The Resistance Force, a Lashkar-e-Taiba-affiliated terrorist outfit, that claimed lives of 26 innocent Hindus. Terrorists selectively picked Hindu tourists and brutally killed them after confirming their religion in front of their family members.

In his post, Jairam wrote, “India’s Integrated Missile Development Programme began in 1983. It has had great successes. Sometime in the mid-90s, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and his colleagues like Dr Sivathanu Pillai felt the need for collaboration with the Russians for supersonic cruise missiles. An inter-governmental agreement was signed on 12th February 1998 when IK Gujral was PM. Incidentally, he was India’s Ambassador to the USSR 1976-80. Thereafter the first contract was signed on 9th July 1999, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was PM. The first successful launch took place on 12th June 2001.”

He then continued to mention how the development and integration took place during the UPA era and claimed that it was because of Manmohan Singh that India joined the Missile Technology Control Regime. He added, “Thereafter the missile was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2005 and Indian Army in 2007. The air-launched variant of BrahMos appeared in 2012. All this was when Dr. Manmohan Singh was PM. It was his leadership that led to the historic Indo-US nuclear agreement of 2005, paving the way for India finally joining the Missile Technology Control Regime eleven years later. It was also during his tenure that the BrahMos Integration Complex in Hyderabad and the BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Limited were established.”

With all the glittery words praising Congress and Manmohan Singh’s regime, what he did not say spoke louder than what he did. As always, there was a selective telling from the Congress leader. He conveniently erased the work done by then-Defence Minister George Fernandes and maintained complete silence over the fact that Congress governments, even after the integration of such an advanced missile system, never actually used BrahMos when national security demanded it the most. The 26/11 Mumbai attacks are only one stark example.

The real history of BrahMos – Vajpayee, Fernandes, Kalam

The true history of BrahMos traces back to the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) launched in 1983 under Indira Gandhi. However, the need for a supersonic cruise missile was seriously felt only after the Gulf War of the 1990s.

When IK Gujral was the Prime Minister of India, a crucial Indo-Russian inter-governmental agreement was signed on 12th February 1998. The programme gained real momentum under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The first contract between India and Russia was signed on 9th July 1999, shortly after Vajpayee assumed office.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr. Sivathanu Pillai led the scientific drive. Kalam, also called the Missile Man of India, played the central role. He made the Indo-Russian partnership a reality. The first successful test of BrahMos took place on 12th June 2001, under Vajpayee’s leadership.

One of the tests were done in October 2003, which was covered by media. Reports suggested that BrahMos was first test-fired on 12th June 2001, second time on 28th April 2002 and third time on 12th February 2003. The October one was the fourth test. Production of the missile was authorised by the end of 2003, as mentioned earlier by George Fernandes in the Lok Sabha in 2002, and its induction into the Navy started in 2005. The missile’s variants were steadily expanded, including the air-launched version in 2012.

Notably, in August 2004, when UPA-1 had assumed power, then-Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee informed the Lok Sabha that BrahMos would be inducted into the Navy by 2005. Then, in December 2004, he informed the Lok Sabha that eight tests had been successful and production was in progress for induction in 2005. It is next to impossible for Congress to have developed and inducted BrahMos into the Indian Navy within a year. The credit for the development has to go to Vajpayee’s tenure and Fernandes as Defence Minister. Furthermore, Fernandes, in 2002, had told Rajya Sabha that BrahMos would be inducted in 2004. Clearly, it was delayed.

BrahMos exists because of George Fernandes

If it were not for George Fernandes, BrahMos would not have existed. The fearless Defence Minister fast-tracked India’s missile power despite enormous global pressure. After India’s 1998 nuclear tests, Western powers imposed several sanctions. They sought to isolate India technologically and militarily.

However, Fernandes stood firm. He pushed forward the BrahMos collaboration even as the establishment faced threats and diplomatic bullying. It was his courage and clarity that enabled the BrahMos programme to move from paper to production lines.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shamelessly attempted to erase all the efforts made by George Fernandes during his tenure as Defence Minister. It is a masterclass in petty and vindictive politics. Why did he do so? Because acknowledging Fernandes would mean admitting that India’s missile might was built by leaders who were neither Congressmen nor controlled by their ecosystem.

Congress’ hypocrisy – they neither backed it fully nor used it

As Congress wants to claim credit for BrahMos, one must ask, what did they do with it? The answer is damning. Despite repeated terror attacks, especially the 2008 Mumbai attack (26/11), and countless strikes on Indian soil by Pakistani proxies, Congress never intended to use BrahMos even once.

On 26th November 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists held Mumbai hostage for days. They killed 166 innocent people. The UPA Government led by Manmohan Singh took no decisive military action against the terror-sponsoring state, Pakistan. BrahMos, which was inducted into the Navy in 2005 and the Army in 2007, sat unused.

Instead of taking strong military action, there was silence. There were candle marches. There was “strong condemnation”. And there were dossiers sent to Islamabad by the then Indian government under Manmohan Singh, but never any punitive action.

BJP made it, Congress claimed it, but never dared to use it

The uncomfortable truth for Congress is that BrahMos’s story revolves around Vajpayee, Fernandes, and Kalam. These are the people Congress would rather forget than give credit to. The BJP and NDA leadership created a self-reliant India, capable of defending its interests and projecting strength. BrahMos was part of that journey.

BrahMos today marked its presence in Operation Sindoor not because of Congress speeches, but because of fearless leaders who chose action over appeasement.

After months of tariff war, Trump flips on China again, calls Geneva trade talks ‘a total reset’

ANI
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After months of tariff war, Trump flips on China again, calls Geneva trade talks ‘a total reset’

 Following trade talks in Geneva, in which the United States and China agreed to withdraw reciprocal tariffs for an initial 90-day period, US President Donald Trump described the outcome as a “total reset” in relations with China.

Trump called the discussions as friendly, adding that the relationship with China is now “very, very good.” The US President also hinted at a possible call with Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the week.

While addressing a press briefing at the White House on Monday, Trump said, “The talks in Geneva were very friendly, the relationship is very good, we are not looking to hurt China. China has been hurt very badly. They were closing factories, they were having a lot of unrest. And they were very happy to be able to do something with us and the relationship is very, very good. Maybe I will speak with President Xi Jinping by the end of the week.”

The US and China arrived at an agreement that they will withdraw their previously announced reciprocal tariffs and counter tariffs for an initial period of 90 days.

In the meantime, China will impose 10 per cent tariffs on US goods, and the US will tax Chinese goods at about 30 per cent.

The understanding was arrived at recognising the importance of their bilateral economic and trade relationship to both countries and the global economy, as per a joint statement.

Both countries recognised the importance of a sustainable, long-term, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship.

Both countries reflected on their recent discussions and believed that continued discussions have the potential to address each side’s concerns in their economic and trade relationship.

Going ahead, the two countries will establish a mechanism to continue discussions about economic and trade relations.

The representative from the Chinese side for these discussions will be He Lifeng, Vice Premier of the State Council, and the representatives from the US side will be Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, and Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative.

“These discussions may be conducted alternately in China and the United States, or a third country upon agreement of the Parties. As required, the two sides may conduct working-level consultations on relevant economic and trade issues,” the joint statement added.

Trump had imposed reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries with which the US has a trade deficit. Later, Trump decided to pause the tariffs for 90 days after many countries initiated talks with the US administration for a trade deal. In these 90 days starting April 9, President Trump imposed a 10 per cent baseline tariff on all countries.

For China, Trump had indicated that the tariffs may go up to as high as 245 per cent. For the US, Chinese tariffs were at 125 per cent.

Since assuming office for his second term, Trump has reiterated his stance on tariff reciprocity, emphasising that the United States will match tariffs imposed by other countries, including India, to ensure fair trade.


(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Despite ceasefire, Pakistani drones continue to enter Indian territory, surveillance drone shot down in Jalandhar

ANI
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Despite ceasefire, Pakistani drones continue to enter Indian territory, surveillance drone shot down in Jalandhar

As the situation between India and Pakistan remains tense, Jalandhar District Collector (DC) Himanshu Aggarwal informed that one surveillance drone was brought down by the Indian armed forces near Mand village in the district on Monday night.

In a press release, the DC requested that people refrain from going near the debris and inform the nearest police station about it. He confirmed that drone activity has been taking place in Jalandhar since 10:00 PM Monday.

“I have been informed that one surveillance drone was brought down by the Armed forces at around 9.20 pm near village Mand. The expert team is looking for the debris. It is requested that please do not go near the debris. If you find them, immediately inform the nearest police station. It has also been informed that no drone activity has been seen in Jalandhar since 10 pm,” the DC Jalandhar stated in the release.

He advised the people to exercise caution and warned of strict police action against those engaged in bursting crackers to create panic. As a precaution, the lights in some areas of Jalandhar were cut off.

“I urge you to please be calm, and also do not burst crackers, as it has been reported in some areas. Strict police action will be taken against such people who try to create panic. We have cut off the light in some areas of Jalandhar as a precaution and will review the situation after some time. Nothing to worry,” the DC added.

Even after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent an explicit message against terrorism being “encouraged” by Pakistan, there is a sense of skepticism in the border villages who fear that Pakistan’s army will not desist from aggression, as they have tried to breach the understanding reached between the two countries.

The local residents of a border village in Samba district of Jammu also added that they heard the blasts occurring last night, and splinters hit one of the houses. The roof and kitchen of the affected house have also been damaged after shelling by Pakistan.

Red streaks were seen and explosions heard as India’s air defence intercepted Pakistani drones amid a blackout in Samba on Monday evening, with Army sources saying that a small number of drones had come in the Samba sector and were being engaged.

Army sources said that a very small number of drones have come into the Samba sector, and they are being engaged, so there is nothing to be alarmed about.

On Monday, PM Modi hit out at Pakistan over its support to cross-border terrorism and said that “terror and talks” and “terror and trade” cannot go together.

In his address to the nation, PM Modi said that after the surgical strike in 2016 and the air strike in 2019, Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism.
The Prime Minister referred to India putting in abeyance the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and said, “water and blood cannot flow together”.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

IAF annihilated terror camps 100 KMs inside Pakistan, destroyed 11 air bases, yet Pakistanis are celebrating: What feeds this delusion of Pakistanis

Shraddha Pandey
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IAF annihilated terror camps 100 KMs inside Pakistan, destroyed 11 air bases, yet Pakistanis are celebrating: What feeds this delusion of Pakistanis

“Dil ke khush rakhne ko, Ghalib, ye khayal acha hai”. This line by legendary poet Mirza Ghalib perfectly sums up the situation of Pakistani people who are living in “Delusionistan”, which they created to escape the grim reality.

Under the Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) destroyed terror camps 100 kilometres inside Pakistan, damaged 11 Pakistani air bases, killed dozens of terrorists, yet Pakistanis are celebrating. What are they celebrating? A ceasefire. While India is not a warmonger, yet the larger public sentiment in India was against the ceasefire, as people wanted complete destruction of Pakistani terror and military establishments after the hostile neighbour displayed the audacity to attack Indian civilians and religious sites, while also attempting to target military establishments.

On one hand, the Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes deep inside Pakistan, achieving all their military, political and psychological objectives; on the other hand, the Indian Air Defence System effectively thwarted all the nefarious designs of the enemy as the latter launched drone and missile strikes on Indian cities in the border areas. Unlike Pakistan, India has provided ample evidence to substantiate the claims of the damage inflicted on Pakistani terror and military establishments, as well as the terrorists slain.

Pakistan, on the other hand, has only offered communally charged Jihadist rhetoric and heavily edited and superimposed images to lend some credence to its falsehoods. However juvenile the attempt Pakistani Armed Forces and ISPR have made, it was enough to make its populace believe that somehow, despite India penetrating deep inside Pakistan, destroying its air bases, terror camps with pinpoint accuracy and killing jihadis associated with LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad as well as relatives of Masood Azhar, Pakistan has ‘won’.

In modern warfare, propaganda is a great tool. Pakistani establishment knows that the best way to hide its incompetence is to dress pleasant lies as truth and the people will celebrate their defeat as a victory while turning oblivious to the obvious questions they would otherwise have asked.

Pakistan celebrating a pummeling: Peak shamelessness even by Pakistani ‘standards’

Soon after a ceasefire understanding was announced on 10th May 2025, Pakistani propaganda machinery came into action to claim that somehow it was the victory of Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan-al-Maroos. In many areas of Pakistan, people burst firecrackers apparently to forget the chagrin caused by the Diwali Indian Armed Forces celebrated in Pakistan with their precision strikes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, wherein Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed tourists after religious profiling.

Scenes of jubilation replaced ‘Paijaan Endia ne attack kar dia hay’ cries, and firecrackers lit up the night sky in Pakistani cities. Former cricketer and forever jihadi Shahid Afridi took out a rally in Karachi, and there emerged a collective chest-thumping narrative of ‘victory’. Other than Shahid Afridi taking out a cringeworthy rally, videos surfaced on social media showing crowds waving Pakistani flags, distributing sweets, and an overall celebratory atmosphere in cities like Hyderabad and Multan. In Sindh, sweets were distributed on the orders of the province’s governor to celebrate the fictional victory of Operation Bunyan-al-Maroos.

Right after India successfully carried out Operation Sindoor and its phase two, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was yearning for a PR win to assuage the surmounting anger of the Pakistani people against the failure of his government and armed forces in thwarting India’s anti-terror strikes. The Pakistani Armed Forces monumentally failed in not only preventing Indian attacks despite having Chinese ADS at hand, but also inflicting any major damage on Indian cities, religious sites and military establishments with its Turkish drones. This failure on all fronts compelled Pakistan to rush to the United States to seek a ceasefire, although Pakistan, being a master of lying through its teeth, now claims that it never sought a ceasefire. India, being a responsible state, decided to give peace a chance. Then what, Shahbaz Sharif declared a ceasefire as a Pakistan victory, and genuflected (figuratively) before Donald Trump, writing eulogies lauding the US President for mediating the ceasefire.

Pakistani forces are spinning this as a ‘smart, patient response’ that ‘pushed India back’. Beyond the hollow rhetoric, Pakistani ISPR continues to prevaricate on the question Pakistani forces pushed India back from what, reducing Pakistan’s airbases to rubble or from hitting Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan airbase? It is like a boxer claiming victory just because he is still standing after a knockout punch.

For Indians, ceasefire was nothing short of a disappointment as Indians largely wanted Operation Sindoor to conclude with a decisive outcome, perhaps more damage to Pakistani terror and military infrastructure, which going by the Jihadist rhetoric unleashed by DG ISPR Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary, makes one believe that there’s hardly any difference in Pakistani Armed Forces and the terror outfits thriving under its patronage, or merger Pak-occupied Jammu and Kashmir into India. India, though not completely opposed to a ceasefire, did not burst into celebrations like Pakistan, while the hostile neighbour began celebrating a self-declared victory, defying all the facts indicating its crushing defeat.

Why Pakistan celebrated its humiliation as victory? The answer lies in history

Divorced from reality, many Pakistanis, including their all bluster, no brains media and celebrities, have convinced themselves that the response of Pakistani forces was so fierce and measured that it compelled India into seeking a ceasefire. This absurdity warrants an analysis of why Pakistanis are celebrating their own humiliating defeat. Well, the answer to this lies in what could be called a toxic cocktail of denial, shallow national pride and a belief system that doesn’t allow Pakistanis to accept loss, especially to its bête noire—India.

Pakistan’s short and opprobrious history is littered with examples of rewriting defeats as victories. Take the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War for example. In this war, Pakistan lost East Pakistan, and Bangladesh came into existence with India playing a decisive role inflicting a humiliating defeat on Pakistan. This war was initially spun as a heroic stand until the scale of surrender (93,000 Pakistani troops) was deniable.

Amusingly, another example of Pakistan celebrating imaginary victories to hide the agony of real defeats is the celebration of Defence Day on 6th September every year. Pakistan, being “Delusionistan,” still believes and wants its younger generations to believe that it won the 1965 Indo-Pak War, even though Pakistan lost it. The country sees the 1965 war as a win simply because of their belief that Pakistani forces had frustrated India’s attempt to capture Lahore and Sialkot, even though India had the upper hand. Remember the Kargil War of 1999? Pakistan essentially denied involvement of its troops until bodies of its soldiers killed in action began to pile up. This ongoing celebration of ceasefire by Pakistan is yet another chapter in a long and disgraceful tradition of dodging reality to keep going with the hope that one day, these imaginary wins would become reality. Since the announcement of the ceasefire understanding, Pakistanis are not celebrating facts, they don’t even care about facts; they are simply celebrating a fantasy where their forces somehow outsmarted India’s overwhelming military might.

For Pakistanis, accepting defeat is like acknowledging the superiority of the enemy. This, however, is unacceptable for the Pakistani establishment and the Pakistani populace, brainwashed into hating India. This denial is rooted in an imaginary religious and cultural superiority complex that makes defeat at the hands of Kafir India unthinkable. Pakistani Muslims live in the delusion that they ruled India for thousand years, even though the reality, which again they do not accept because it hurts, is that they are nothing but fourth or max to max fifth generation converted descendants of their Hindu ancestors who were victimised and converted by the very Islamic invaders Pakistanis now name their missiles after.

India’s bloodied partition happened on Islamic lines since the majority of Muslims at that time, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, were adamant that they could not co-exist with Hindus and other non-Muslim communities. Pakistan was created as Islamic homeland for Muslims and its national identity has been steeped in the idea that divine favour or ‘Allah’s favour’ ensures victory and it can never be with Kafirs. You see, this isn’t just a childish rhetoric; it’s a psychological crutch. The very idea that Kafirs or for that matter any secular force could dismantle Pakistani military which runs on the motto of Iman, Taqwa and Jihad-fi-Sabilillah (Faith, fear of Allah, Jihad on the path of Allah), is so dissonant that it is more convenient to reject reality than confront it.

Thus, Pakistani Islamists create a bubble of delusion and live in it as seen in their celebration of a ceasefire they demanded to escape further hammering by Indian forces, as some sort of strategic masterstroke that too no less than a divine intervention. More than a celebration of the military outcomes of the latest conflict, these celebrations are a coping mechanism intended to preserve a fragile ego steeped in religious hatred that cannot digest defeat at the hands of a Hindu-majority yet secular nation they’ve been brainwashed into despising. Thus, they blindly believe the lies Pakistani ISPR is serving them as facts and are even spinning their own ‘manohar kahaniyan’, to cover up their collective incompetence.

Pakistan has lost every war against India, yet the national psyche clings to alternative (read fictional) histories. The hostile neighbour celebrates the 1947-48 Kashmir War as valiant jihad, even though India emerged victorious by successfully gaining the majority of the contested territory. Even as Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar badly collapsed in 1971, and India’s counteroffensive nearly took Lahore, the country celebrates Defence Day to lionise a triumph it never really secured. Kargil’s humiliation was blamed on terrorists initially, Pakistani forces even refused to accept the dead bodies of their deceased soldiers, who were then given proper burial by the Indian Army. The very idea of losing against India is unfathomable for Pakistan. Thus, they perpetually try to salvage pride from the thrashing caused by India.

Indian Army gave proper burial to Pakistani soldiers killed in action after Pakistan Army disowned its martyrs in Kargil 1999 war (Source:NYT)

While in reality, the Pakistani Army has never won a war and never lost an election, in Pakistani history textbooks, they have neither lost an election nor a war.

Even now, the Pakistan Armed Forces and government have invoked high-sounding terms like ‘resilience’ and ‘honour’ and whatnot, to deflect attention from the fact that they have survived a beating by India, but they have not won the fight. Thus, Pakistan’s absurd celebrations of the ceasefire is a mix of religious-psychological coping mechanisms and systemic brainwashing. They fear that admitting India’s victory or even the obvious superiority would unravel the myth of parity that justifies Pakistan’s existence, especially as India’s rival. Due to this, they reframe every defeat as ‘a moral victory’ and every retreat as a ‘strategic pause’. Most importantly, the notion that ‘kafirs’ can’t defeat the army on the mission of Jihad-fi-Sabilillah, comes into the play.

Pakistan, however, has a habit of indulging in premature celebrations. While there is an understanding of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert to retaliate against any misadventure by the hostile neighbour. Pertinently, punitive measures like the trade bans and the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, which is literally the lifeline of Pakistan, are still in place.

In the end, all that can be said is that the celebratory rallies and firecrackers, and sweets distribution are both laughable and tragic at the same time. These fireworks and rallies are, in reality, not celebrations of victory but of survival, of dodging a bullet. It’s a repackaging of the fear of Operation Sindoor as a victory of Operation Bunyan-al-Maroos. Pakistan is upholding its belief of superiority against the reality of India’s dominance. However, any further misadventure and Pakistan along with its ‘beliefs’ would become a story of the past, contrary to their assertion that ‘no power on earth can undo Pakistan’, it is India, the very power from which Pakistan came into existence, can undo Pakistan and redo undivided India—Akhand Bharat.

While India was fighting with Pakistan, several ‘Indians’ were openly cheering for the enemy: The ‘0.5 front’ Gen Bipin Rawat had warned about

Rukma Rathore
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While India was fighting with Pakistan, several ‘Indians’ were openly cheering for the enemy: The ‘0.5 front’ Gen Bipin Rawat had warned about

As India continues to mourn the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on 22nd April which took the lives 26 Hindu tourists and wounded multiple others, the country has implemented several stringent measures including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and the revocation of visas to citizens of Pakistan to penalize the hostile neighbour. Furthermore, on 7th May, India initiated “Operation Sindoor” aimed at dismantling the terrorist infrastructure in the Islamic Republic and PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).

India also destroyed Pakistan’s military installations in response to its attempts to assault civilian regions along the border, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, but their sinister agenda was defeated by the Indian defence forces. While India confronted its longstanding foe, another front was opened by malicious elements within the country seeking to destabilize it.

On 11th May, authorities apprehended a minor from Pundag in Ranchi for reportedly posting pro-terrorism content on social media. He admitted to posting objectionable content during questioning. An FIR (First Information Report) has been filed against him at the Pundag police station. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Ranchi MLA CP Singh had alerted the Ranchi police regarding the posts and called for action against the accused.

He stated, “The photographs disseminated by the minor on social media are provocative and have implications for national security. Additionally, they insult the Indian Army. He displayed the flag associated with multiple terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda, Taliban and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The perpetrator promoted Pakistan’s propaganda of Ghazwa-e-Hind. This act is not merely an act of treason, but also reflects a distinct terrorist mindset.” He highlighted that displaying such flags and posts on social media indicates a troubling mentality.

The lawmaker emphasized that the issue extends beyond a singly young man and underscored the detrimental ideology being propagated among the youth by particular maulanas (clerics) and madrasas. He added that the police should promptly apprehend him and conduct a thorough investigation to determine if he has ties to any major terrorist organization.

“If we do not confront this type of thinking, these intentions and individuals today, they might provoke a serious incident in the future. To ensure the safety of our nation, we must take firm actions immediately,” he declared. The police acted swiftly after the lawmaker’s post became viral. Afterward, a probe was initiated and the perpetrator was arrested.

Living in India but heart beats for Pakistan

Notably, similar occurrences have transpired recently, resulting in the arrest of offenders involved in anti-India activities. Rozan Ali was assaulted after he chanted “Pakistan Zindabad” and even shared AI (artificial intelligence)-generated WhatsApp stories featuring Bollywood actors holding the Pakistani flag. The instance happened in Vidhiyani, located in the Sant Kabeer Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh.

He wore a T-shirt emblazoned with “Pakistan” and wielded a sword, in one WhatsApp status. He shared these stories shortly after “Operation Sindoor” commenced. He was requested to delete the contentious stories, but he declined which further incited public outrage.

Three Muslim youngsters were captured by police in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh for their support of Pakistan following “Operation Sindoor.” Dilshad had set his profile image to a photograph of a girl waving a Pakistani flag. A complaint was filed against him and he was taken into custody. The slogan “Pakistan Zindabad” was written by Zaid, who works at a salon in Meerut on a Pakistani Instagram post. He defended Pakistan when India attacked terrorist organizations located within the country.

People alerted the police after seeing his Instagram comment and he was caught. Zeeshan, the salon’s owner was also arrested. According to the police, a case was filed at the Civil Lines police station and action had been taken in the matter. Police have recognized ten such social media accounts in Meerut. Authorities stated that they would either take action against all of these accounts or have them deactivated.

20-year-old Zeeshan Qureshi of Sachendi town from Kanpur shared a video on Instagram mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian flag while endorsing Pakistan. He reposted the Pakistani video on Instagram which showcased the country’s flag along with guns. His father, Guddu, owns a butcher store and he works as a barber. He was arrested and and an investigation was initiated by the police. They also began to investigate other individuals who had been in contact with the accused who was under interrogation.

Moeed Khan became furious when a 12-year-old boy named Surjeet was discussing “Operation Sindoor” in Shahjahanpur of Uttar Pradesh and stabbed him, gravely injuring the minor. He also shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans. The event took place in Shahjahanpur’s Powayan neighborhood. He visited the vegetable market and began conversing about the operation with some individuals which provoked the offender who then resorted to verbal abuse.

He then cut the boy’s hand with a knife who was afterward taken to the local hospital for treatment. Another person named Vakil was also reportedly involved in the attack. Moeed Khan also shouted slogans in support of Pakistan after the assault. Subsequently, those present at the scene thrashed Moeed Khan while the other suspect fled the area. Members of Hindu organizations who arrived at the site began a protest in response to the incident. The police apprehended Moeed Khan and began an inquiry.

2 arrested for leaking sensitive to Pakistan

Meanwhile, on 11th May Punjab Police announced that it had captured two individuals, including a woman for engaging in espionage activities connected to a Pakistani diplomat stationed in the Delhi High Commission. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav stated that a suspect was detained on the basis of reliable intelligence after disclosing crucial information about Indian Army movements to a handler headquartered in Pakistan.

The pair has been recognized as 31-year-old Guzala and Yameen Mohamad, from Malerkotla. The authorities have also recovered two mobile phones from them. According to the police, the accused have been identified and is named in the official complaint. The recent development transpired a few days after the Amritsar Rural Police arrested Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih for leaking sensitive information and photographs concerning army cantonment sites and air bases to the intelligence agency of Pakistan.

The top cop stated that they had been obtaining payments via online transactions in return for giving confidential information. They maintained regular communication with the handler and participated in directing funds to other local operatives according to his directives.

The two and a half front war

“Chinese continued military, economic and diplomatic support poses the threat of coordinated action along the northern and western fronts, which we have to consider in our defence planning. India is ready for a “two-and-a-half front war,” late Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat expressed in September 2020 in relation to Pakistan, China and the people who present internal threats to the nation. He repeatedly addressed the 2.5 front war, underscoring the serious dangers that certain elements within India pose, alongside those from Pakistan and China.

“Indian Army is fully ready for a two and a half front war,” he declared earlier in 2017. He asserted that although prepared for a multi-front conflict, there exist effective strategies to mitigate a detrimental situation. “Pakistan is spreading disinformation among the youth of Kashmir with doctored videos and messages. This is further supported by some of the people in the valley who spread it and glamorise the young boys who have joined terrorist organisations,” he voiced and added that “several times during army operations we have to deal with the public face to face and many times women are right there in front of us.”

“We are raising our modernisation issues with the Government of India. The discussions are going well,” he further mentioned. “This is a proxy war and proxy war is a dirty war. It is played in a dirty way. The rules of engagement are there when the adversary comes face-to-face and fights with you. It is a dirty war. That is where innovation comes in. You fight a dirty war with innovations,” he outlined. He explicitly pointed out that certain individuals in India (Jammu and Kashmir) are behaving as puppets of the jihadi state, glorifying terrorism to incite unrest.

Notably, the same sentiment was shared by General MM Naravane who succeeded him as the CDS. He emphasized that the concept of a “two and a half front war” has now become a reality during his annual press conference on 12th January 2022. The two fronts refer to China and Pakistan, while the half front pertains to counter-insurgency efforts.

Whether it involves efforts to incite insurgency within the nation or providing support to Pakistan while residing in India, the army has recognized that the struggle is not solely against external adversaries but also against domestic enemies. This awareness while positive, also underscores the gravity of the situation.

Conclusion

The uncomfortable reality is that there has always been a faction within India that aims to harm it from within. This can be seen through acts of insurgency or declarations that favor hostile nations, driven by religious, ideological, or monetary motivations which consistently challenge India’s stability. As the saying goes, recognizing an open enemy is not difficult, they confront us head-on, making their intentions known and allowing us to prepare for defense.

Conversely, the gravest threat often stems from those who inhabit the country while working against its interests. Recognizing such individuals who feign to be a part of the nation while compromising its interests from within is a complex task. The recent anti-India elements that surfaced after “Operation Sindoor” exemplify this situation.

Their loyalty is rooted in their religious convictions rather than their national identity, which causes them to overlook ethical considerations and even support terrorism under the guise of ideological similarity. They have periodically expressed their malicious loyalties to undermine the nation’s morale, particularly during crucial moments when India requires the steadfast support of its citizens.

General Rawat might no longer be with us, yet his words continue to resonate with the equal intensity of truth and caution. These serve as a preliminary warning for the entire country. The 0.5 war undoubtedly poses a significant challenge for India, akin to those faced with Pakistan and China, if not more severe, and it is expected to escalate in the forthcoming days. Therefore, it is imperative that not only the Indian Army and authorities but the entire nation is prepared to address it effectively.

Silent but supreme: How INS Vikrant caged Pakistani Jets during Operation Sindoor and reaffirmed Indian Navy’s dominance in Arabian Sea

OpIndia Staff
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Silent but supreme: How INS Vikrant caged Pakistani Jets during Operation Sindoor and reaffirmed Indian Navy’s dominance in Arabian Sea

In a striking display of maritime dominance, the Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant has reportedly played a crucial role in deterring Pakistani aerial ambitions during the recent escalation. According to NDTV journalist and defence analyst Shiv Aroor, the INS Vikrant-led carrier battle group operated freely and without challenge in the north Arabian Sea.

Its overwhelming presence effectively put Pakistan’s fighter fleet to the Makran coast in Balochistan, preventing any meaningful aerial manoeuvres. This operational superiority showcases the strategic edge India’s indigenous aircraft carrier brings to the region, reinforcing deterrence and asserting control over critical sea lanes. Indian Navy’s presence close to Pakistan’s coast is part of ongoing Operation Sindoor, a military operation against terrrorists, their launchpads, training centres and handlers operating from Pakistan.

How the Indian naval strength surpasses Pakistan’s

The Indian maritime strength far exceeds that of Pakistan, as it is equipped with more advanced technology and formidable weaponry, which includes aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and a range of surface combatants. The Indian Navy has 298 vessels, including 2 aircraft carriers, 18 submarines, 13 destroyers, and 14 frigates, while the Pakistani Navy operates with 121 vessels, which is less than half the number of the Indian Navy vessels.

The Pakistan Navy has 8 submarines and 9 frigates, but no aircraft carriers or destroyers. Besides, India has a greater number of patrol vessels and corvettes, which provide it with more maritime deployment options. Besides, India maintains a merchant fleet of 1,859 ships against a fleet Pakistan’s fleet of merely 60 merchant ships. The number of ports in India is 56, while Pakistan has only 3 major ports.

India rejects US mediation claims as ceasefire holds after Pakistan comes begging, says High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule

OpIndia Staff
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India rejects US mediation claims as ceasefire holds after Pakistan comes begging, says High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule

On 12th May, India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, dismissed any notion of third-party mediation over the recent India-Pakistan conflict. In an interview with Bloomberg Television discussing Operation Sindoor, Ambule spoke on the developments and asserted that Pakistan initiated the escalation and was ultimately forced to seek a ceasefire after India launched devastating strikes on 11 Pakistan Air Force bases.

Pakistan forced to negotiate ceasefire after Indian strikes

Ambule emphasised that India did not want to escalate the situation. However, India had no choice after Pakistan began targeting Indian civilian and military infrastructure, including hospitals and religious sites. He said, “The ball is in Pakistan’s court. We responded only to eliminate terrorist infrastructure across the border. Pakistan kept raising the scale by attacking civilian targets, so we had to counterattack.”

He revealed that the ceasefire was announced after days of cross-border hostilities only after the Pakistan Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) reached out to the Indian side. He confirmed, “The ceasefire happened because the Pakistan DGMO came begging to our DGMO after we bombed 11 of their PAF bases. Only then did they agree.”

India rejects US claims of brokering talks

Commenting on US President Trump’s and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s claims of playing a role in the ceasefire, he firmly rejected the suggestions. He stated, “For us, Kashmir is a bilateral issue. Diplomacy happens, yes, but only to explain our position, not for mediation. There is no scope for the word ‘mediation’ when it comes to Kashmir,” he stated while bluntly saying that it is not an international issue.

He clarified that India has consistently provided evidence of Pakistan-based terrorist groups, including The Resistance Front (TRF), to the United Nations Security Council sanctions committee. He added that India had a single target that is action against the terrorists of the 22nd April terror attack in Kashmir, which killed 26 innocent civilians and targeted tourists to derail normalisation efforts.

India holds firm on Indus Water Treaty and negotiations

On the issue of the Indus Water Treaty, Ambule stated that India had put the treaty in abeyance in response to Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. He said, “The Indus Water Treaty was heavily tilted in Pakistan’s favour when signed. As long as cross-border terrorism exists, it remains suspended.”

When asked about possible talks with Pakistan, he reiterated India’s long-standing position, “Terror and talks don’t go together. The only outstanding issue for negotiation is the illegal occupation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.”

The road ahead

Ambule maintained that India would continue to pressure Pakistan to end cross-border terrorism before any meaningful dialogue could occur. Talks between the two sides’ military officials, particularly the DGMOs, are expected to continue. “We are prepared for talks if Pakistan stops its terror export. The focus must remain on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and justice for the 22nd April victims,” Ambule concluded.

Modi drops bombs, UPA dropped the ball: How India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and established a new deterrence through ‘Operation Sindoor’

Vikas Puttur
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Modi drops bombs, UPA dropped the ball: How India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and established a new deterrence through ‘Operation Sindoor’

It was a very pleasant evening on April 22nd at the Baisaran valley of Pahalgham, which hides itself right under the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Himalayas. Being known as Indian Switzerland, it attracts an equal number of tourists and nature lovers from across the world. However, things turned horrific when men with skull caps and long beards with machine guns appeared, shouting ‘Allah o Akbar’ and terrifying tourists, asking them about their religion.

Hindus and Muslims were separated. Hindu men were shot down while women and children were left behind – they were left alive because they wanted witnesses to their barbarism. They were asked to “go tell Modi”. The terrorists asked the Hindu victims to recite the Kalma, and some were asked to strip to confirm their religious identity. When they failed to recite the Islamic prayer, they were massacred.

The massacre of Hindus in Pahalgam reminds one of the holocaust that Kashmir had witnessed in 1990. Pakistan-based Islamic terrorist organisation The Resistant Front, which is an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, owned up to the assault.

It is an open account that all Islamic terrorist organisations or independent terrorists that operate from Pakistan or the Pakistani Occupied Kashmir are non-state actors, supported by the Pakistani administration. They are fed and bred by none other than the chiefs of the Pakistan Army themselves. This has been a disciplined practice, irrespective of whoever becomes the Army Chief, ever since the inception of Pakistan. Likewise, the intelligence arm of the Army, ISI, plays the role of facilitator. Every major terrorist attack that has occurred in India over time has an established link to either of the Pakistan-based Islamist terror organisations such as Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Indian Mujahideen, to name a few.

However, it has been a very different scenario ever since the Modi-led NDA assumed power. The Indian forces started to respond with action. The first attack took place on September 18, 2016, when terrorists linked to the JeM attacked the Indian Army base at Uri, killing 19 of our soldiers and injuring 30 others. India vowed to avenge and, within 10 days, on September 28, carried out a surgical strike, devastating terrorist camps and launchpads.

The second attack took place on February 14, 2019. A suicide bomber, again linked to JeM, attacked a convoy of CRPF personnel at Pulwama, killing 40 of them. India pledged to avenge and, on February 26, launched ‘Operation Bundar.’ Twelve fighter jets of the Indian Air Force streaked 20 km past the LOC, demolishing JeM training camps and killing an undisclosed number of terrorists.

The third Islamist attack happened on April 22 at Pahalgam. This time, it wasn’t on the forces but on Indian civilians. It was the first time under the Modi regime that civilians were attacked, making it certain that the response would be unlike ever before. Modi, speaking at a public meeting, confirmed the same. Accordingly, India acted.

The very next day, the Modi government’s first brave step was suspending the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari. Following this, at 1 AM on May 7, 2025, ‘Operation Sindoor’ was initiated to target terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and POJK from where attacks were being directed. Nine crucial sites were chosen and demolished, carefully selected to dismantle Islamist terrorist networks. These included groups like LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

One site at Markaz Subhanallah, Bahawalpur, was closely linked to past attacks, including the 2019 Pulwama bombing, and housed JeM chief Masood Azhar. Another, Markaz Taiba in Muridke, was LeT’s largest training centre, enrolling around 1,000 individuals annually for arms training, religious indoctrination, and radicalisation. Osama bin Laden had also contributed to it. It trained perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks, including Ajmal Kasab and David Headley. All seven other sites had similar terror significance.

The military’s action was focused, measured, and non-escalatory – similar, but ten times more impactful than the Balakot strikes – killing over 100 terrorists. This marked the ceasefire point from India’s side. The operation was completed at 1:44 AM on May 7, and there was no plan for escalation. But Pakistan demanded more.

India’s efficient action had not only hurt the inefficient Pakistani Army but also their terrorist masters. To prove otherwise to their citizens and satisfy their egos, they launched coordinated missile and drone attacks on Indian military bases and civilian areas, causing casualties and damaging Gurdwaras, temples, and other institutions. They also threatened nuclear retaliation and misled the world with blatant lies.

What do you expect the world’s largest democracy to do? Sit and watch the fallacy like the UPA governments did earlier? 

The new India’s military had no choice but to retaliate, and the brave Indian government gave them full power to protect the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.

Indian forces then did what they were meant for. In ninety minutes on May 10, at least 11 Pakistani airbases were turned to dust. Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi – none were out of reach. Missiles like BrahMos were launched, made-in-India drones flew far and hit targets, and Rafales and fighter jets, meant for more than airshows, came out to show their fierceness. The swift Indian retaliation crippled Pakistan’s Air Force, even damaging its nuclear facilities. The INS sailed like a sea monster across the ocean. Pakistan realised that if India wasn’t stopped, Islamabad would fall. They knelt before INDIA.

Lacking the courage to speak to India directly, they cried before the world. They approached several nations to speak on their behalf. Most declined. But the USA, driven by its instinct to be the ‘Big Daddy’ of the world, agreed to try. When the US contacted India, it was clearly told: ‘India has not been involved in any act of war but has only responded to Pakistani Army aggression.’ They were also told that ‘Operation Sindoor’ ended the moment its mission concluded on May 7, but Pakistan escalated matters afterwards. India was forced to act. The US was politely advised to let Pakistan reach out directly to India.

Obliged to India’s position, the US asked the Pakistani Ambassador to instruct his DGMO to contact the Indian DGMO to seek an understanding on ‘Operation Sindoor’ – a pause in aggression until a resolution. The call was made, and words were exchanged officially.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump tried to gain brownie points. He jumped the gun, claiming he was responsible for conflict resolution and that both India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire. He also claimed he would mediate in Kashmir in the future. But Pakistan, like a dog with a crooked tail, obeyed for just 100 minutes before violating the so-called ‘ceasefire,’ which was never official. However, India, as per its original plan, paused its action and appealed to Pakistan to refrain from aggression.

Late that night, Pakistan’s Prime Minister held a presser, thanking everybody in the world for saving them from being buried. But India’s position remained the same as declared on May 7 and reaffirmed in every press conference since.

On May 11, in a meeting with defence heads, Indian forces were given full authority again. Modi reportedly said, ‘Udar se goli ayega to idar gola jayega,’ making it clear that India wouldn’t tolerate Pakistan’s misadventures. A joint press conference followed, where it was conveyed: ‘There is no ceasefire or agreement between India and Pakistan – only an understanding that both sides would refrain from aggression.’

However, it was strongly stated that ‘India would continue its aggression, in a more blatant way, if Pakistan breaches what they have themselves spoken.’

Now, why is the Congress blabbering? The party that failed to avenge over 25 attacks with more than a thousand lives lost in just ten years – do they have the morality to speak now? The party appealing for a special parliamentary session should first explain why no such session was held during similar terror crises while they were in power. The best favour Congress can do at this juncture is to just shut up.

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