Nancy Sharma
One evening when everyone was busy in their homes and offices, a cruel incident was carried out. People who had gone for holidays became victims of terrorism. On the evening of 22nd April, when no one had even imagined that they would have to face such a shameful news, the terrorists gave rise to such a situation that just thinking about it makes us feel anguish and outrageous. No doubt that we feel proud of the ‘Operation Sindoor’ that was launched on the night of 6th may, the government of our country and the army together took revenge for that shameful incident.
The citizens of the entire country were filled with enthusiasm, but was the ceasefire that was implemented a right decision? Was it right for us to remain silent despite Pakistan violating the ceasefire? Many such questions must be brewing not only in my mind but in the minds of many people, whose answers no one can give at the moment, but you and I can think together.
Background of the Indo-Pak Conflicts:
The conflict between India and Pakistan is not a new thing. It is a link that has been going on since 1947 and it is almost difficult to solve it. Every time we have been attacked, whether it is Gibraltar operation or Kargil War, Uri attack or Pulwama attack or now Pahalgam attack. It has always been initiated by Pakistan and in return there is peace talk. Every time this neighboring country openly promotes terrorism, every time the initiative comes from Pakistan. Everyone knows that like Mohammad Ghori, this country will also not improve. No matter how many chances are given to them, it is in the nature of this country to backstabbing, then why is a compromise reached every time. There is no doubt that during a war many soldiers have to lose their lives, the country’s economy is deeply affected, common citizens also have to see and endure unbearable scenes, they even have to lose their lives. Let us accept that war is not the right path. But is it right to get cheated every time after entering into a peace agreement? The borders have become peaceful again but what after that? Is it right to live in an atmosphere of fear all the time? Is it right that soldiers are still standing on those borders without sleeping and without getting tired so that their country is not harmed by terrorists? Is it right that people are afraid of coming to an important state (Jammu & Kashmir) of their own country? Is it right to live in fear in your own house all the time? Some people are happy that the war is over but those who have lost their family members, the parents who have lost their sons on the border, the wife who has lost her husband, the sister who has lost her brother and the children who have lost their father, all of them are still restless with weeping eyes that they have not gained anything, they have only lost, is it right?
Timeline of Indo-Pak Conflicts Since Independence:
First Kashmir War (1947)- In October 1947, tribal soldiers from Pakistan invaded Kashmir to take forcefully control. Indian soldiers sent to Kashmir for fighting invaders. This led first war between India and Pakistan from October 1947 to January 1947. India took issue to the United Nations(UN) which called for ceasefire. In January 1949, a ceasefire was declared and LoC introduced, Kashmir was divided into two parts: one under India, other under Pakistan called PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir). Indo-Pak War(1965)- On August 5, 1965 Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, secretly sent soldiers and fighters disguised as locals into J&K to start a rebellion. India quickly found and push back intruders. On 6th September 1965, India crossed international border and attacked Lahore. Fierce battle happened in J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan. Both sides used panes, tanks and heavy weapons. After 17 days of war UN called for peace. A ceasefire was declared on 22nd September 1965. Both countries signed Tashkent Agreement to restore peace. Indo-Pak War (1971)- Pakistan was divided into West Pakistan (now Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). People in East Pakistan were demanding independence. Pakistani army started violence against people of East Pakistan in March 1971. Millions of people fled to India. Indian supported people and gave shelter to refuges and also support their independence movement. Pakistan attacked Indian airbases. In response India officially entered the war. In just 13 days, Indian forces surrounded Pakistani troops in East Pakistan. On 16th December 1971, over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered in Dhaka. A new nation Bangladesh was formed with the help of India. India and Pakistan signed Simla Agreement in 1972, to maintain peace and resolve issue through talks. Kargil War (1999)- The war happened in the Kargil region of J&K, at high mountains. Pakistani soldiers and terrorists secretly occupied Indian military posts on Indian side of the Line of Control(LoC). In May 1999, India launched Operation Vijay to push them back. The world supported India, Pakistan was under pressure to withdraw. Indian army recaptured all posts. The war ended with India’s complete victory. 26th July is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas every year in honor of the soldiers. Mumbai Attack (2008)- On 26th November 2008 multiple high-profile locations attacked in Mumbai, Maharashtra. 10 armed terrorists belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan based terrorist group came by boat via the Arabian sea launched coordinated attacks using guns and grenades. 166 people martyred including 26 foreigners, over 300 injured. After 60 hours all terrorists were neutralized, Ajmal Kasab was the only terrorist caught alive, was later tried and hanged in 2012.
Uri Attack (2016)- In September 2016, URI town in Baramulla district in J&K, four heavily armed terrorists belonged to Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) attacked and Indian army base near the LoC. 19 Indian soldiers martyred and several injured. On 29 September 2016, India conducted surgical strikes on terrorist camps across the LoC in Pak occupied Kashmir. First time Indian announced cross border surgical strike.
Pulwama Attack (2019)-On 14th Feb 2019, a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden car into a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district of J&K. 40 CRPF soldiers martyred, many injured. A deadliest attack on Indian Security Forces in Kashmir, carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed. On 26th February 2019, India conducted air strikes in Balakot, Pakistan targeting terror camps.
Pahalgam Attack (2025)- On 22nd April 2025, five armed terrorists belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba attacked tourists in the Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam in Anantnag district in J&K. The attackers were armed with AK-47s and M4 carbines and wore military style uniforms, specifically targeted Hindus. Some were asked to recite Islamic verses to prove their religion. 26 civilians were martyred, including 25 tourists mostly Hindus and one local Muslim who tried to stop the attackers. India suspends the Indus Water treaty with Pakistan and expelled Pakistani diplomats.
Operation Sindoor:
Launch on May 7, 2025 to retaliate against the Pahalgam attack by targeting terrorists infrastructure in Pakistan and Pak occupied Kashmir. Sindoor is a red powder worn by Hindu women. The name symbolized the loss of husbands in the attack and India vows to seek justice. Primary targets were terrorists camps and infrastructure associated with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Precision air and drone strikes on mine identified terror sites. A ceasefire was brokered after three days of conflict, with both nations agreeing to halt further military actions.
Conclusion:
Nobody knows how long this land of heroes will endure this. Many countries like U.S.A, China and Turkey is pursuing their own diplomacy, But the real blow has been to our country, to every citizen living in this country, to the soldiers guarding the borders day and night, which is not easy to compensate every time. Peace talks do not make everything alright every time, terrorism is the termite that will hollow out the whole world from within, the sooner every country understands this the better it is for them. We do not have any personal enmity with Pakistan, if we had, then the Indian government would not have thought that we will not harm the common citizens of Pakistan, but is it right to become the target of this terrorism every time? Many questions are arising in the mind of not only me but every citizen whose answers may not be found, but in the end again one question- The borders are calm again, but the way ahead is uncertain, is this correct?
(The writer is a mass communication student at Central University of Jammu)
