The cowardly and dastardly attack by Pakistan through its operatives has sparked outrage across the globe, with Prime Minister Modi condemning it as a “desperate and cowardly act” and assuring the victims’ families that the “conspirators and perpetrators will face the harshest response” and that India will “pursue these attackers to the ends of the earth.” India has received resounding support from the USA, Russia, Saudi Arabia and several other countries. This attack truly reflects the desperation of a failed state which has nurtured a jihadi army chief, fed on a staple diet of fundamentalism far more than he can digest. It was highly uncharacteristic and against all norms of military discipline for him to speak in a rebellious and rabid manner at the Overseas Pakistanis’ Convention in Islamabad, in the presence of the Pakistan Prime Minister. His comments have shocked the conscience of those who value army ethos and have extinguished all hopes for the future of a democratic Pakistan. The indelible “Bangladesh scar” embedded in the DNA of the Pakistani army will never heal, for it has been used as a perpetual excuse for military dominance over Pakistan, trampling human and civil rights forever. The recent attack was Pakistan’s desperate attempt to reignite the anti-India frenzy, justify military control and derail normalcy and development in Kashmir, seemingly timed deliberately during the visit of U.S. Vice President Vance to India. We salute Prime Minister Modi for his most prompt and proactive response to this barbaric attack — from cutting short his visit to Saudi Arabia, with the immediate visit by Home Minister to Kashmir to assess the situation firsthand, asserting dominance along the Line of Control and International Border, sealing the Attari border, expelling some Pakistani officials from the Pakistan High Commission, halting visa facilities, sending back Pakistani nationals, and suspending the IndoIndus Water Treaty. Pakistan’s history is one of notable betrayals. In 1999, during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, India launched the Delhi-Lahore bus service, a landmark ‘Bus Diplomacy’ initiative to foster peace and strengthen bilateral ties. Yet, while these efforts were underway, Pakistan was covertly planning an incursion. In May 1999, the Kargil War erupted when Pakistani troops and militants crossed the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil sector, occupying Indian positions. This act of aggression undermined India’s peace initiatives, revealing Pakistan’s duplicity. Despite India’s genuine pursuit of dialogue and coexistence, Pakistan’s hostile actions during the Kargil conflict betrayed the trust extended through diplomatic gestures. India has always followed the policy of peaceful coexistence and tried to settle matters peacefully but Pakistan has only reacted with hatred and enmity. Pakistan must realize that its desperate and inhumane attacks will only hasten its own downfall. India has defeated Pakistan in every direct confrontation — in the wars of 1965, 1971, and 1999. The 1971 war dismembered Pakistan and stands as a historical humiliation they have never recovered from. Similarly, India has throttled Pakistan’s attempts at proxy warfare firmly defending the unity and democratic fabric of the nation. Pakistan must now understand that the India under Prime Minister Modi is a new India — strong, secure, prosperous, and invincible — an Atmanirbhar Bharat, a Shashakt Bharat, a Swabhiman Bharat, and an Ek Atma Bharat, powered by the unwavering resolve of over 140 crore patriotic Indians. The abrogation of Article 370 stands as a monumental achievement, heralding a new era of empowerment, equity, and development in Jammu & Kashmir. The Modi government has transformed the “Tasveer” of Jammu & Kashmir, ushering in an unprecedented wave of development, and the “Taqdeer” of its people by exceeding their aspirations and reaffirming their confidence in the Indian Constitution. This transformation has deeply frustrated a desperate Pakistan, suffering from three major setbacks: first, the abrogation of Article 370; second, the international community’s rejection of its attempts to raise the Kashmir issue; and third, the consistent decimation of its sponsored terrorists — over 400 neutralized in the last decade — with terrorist recruitment now nearing a complete standstill. Under the Modi government, strengthening national security and infrastructure became a top priority. Border infrastructure has seen remarkable growth, with 15,106.7 km developed through comprehensive integrated border management systems. This includes border outposts, fencing, mobile towers, advanced technology deployment, enhanced lighting, road networks, and robust control and command systems. These measures have strengthened surveillance, enabled early detection of activities across the border, helped dominate tactical features, plugged infiltration routes, and asserted India’s territorial control. Coastal security along the 7,516.6 km coastline has also been significantly fortified. Today, no one can challenge the might of India. The people of Kashmir have overwhelmingly protested against acts of terrorism, recognizing that Pakistan’s designs aim to strangle their livelihoods. Even former separatist sympathizers have joined candlelight marches, condemning violence and supporting peace. The indomitable Indian spirit and unwavering support for Prime Minister Modi remain firm because his religion is India — its security, safety, and welfare. His response to threats has been prompt, decisive, and without hesitation, reflecting resolute , unflinching and inspiring leadership. Under his stewardship, the government has steadfastly secured every citizen against both external and internal threats. India will respond decisively — at a time, place and manner of its choosing. The author is a former Director General, ITBP, and former Chairman, Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission. Views expressed are personal.
