Op Sindoor & The Broken Cease Fire

When I heard the news of the cease fire between India and Pakistan on TV, I could not believe my ears. There was something amiss. Knowing Pakistan well, it was too good to be true. In my heart of hearts a voice kept telling me that there is more to it, but when I heard the official statement. My hunch was proved correct.

"As the sun set yesterday(10 May 25) , the Cease fire was broken by Pakistan."

Three days of black outs, rounds by the police, clearing of market places, closing of offices in our town was a signal that something big was about to happen. News of explosions in the borders districts and foiled attempts by drones was hot. The news of a ceasefire had brought a big sigh of relief. But alas.

Having served along the western border for more than half my service and watched “Nark” (Pakistan as we call them in the Army) and understanding their psyche, “baat kuch hazam nahi hui”. We were back to square one with all guns blazing.

Be that as it may. There is a saying which my mom used to tell me about liars. If I juxtapose it here, “agar Pakistan jalte tave par bhi khara ho kar, haath jor kar mafi mange, vo apni gandi kartoot karne se baaz nahi ayega”. So bloody true.

To my mind, it is too premature to accept this CF. They are ‘crooks’ and liars of the highest order. The trust deficit is too deep to fill.

Let me leave my dissatisfaction aside. However, if we do bring them to their knees and then to the negotiating table then what should be Pakistan made to agree for everlasting peace. Terms are conditions are given as under: -

1. Stop use of terrorism as part of their state policy, meaning calling the jehadis as terrorists.

2. Close all terrorist camps and support to all their organisations with immediate effect. Any such organisation reported would be destroyed with impunity with no question asked by India.

3. We will decide on how the Indus Water Treaty shall work henceforth. Or else it is in abeyance and will be regulated by us. Accept it or get lost.

4. Vacate POK and move to your side of the Radcliffe line within the next one month. If people want to stay with us, let them say so. Our boundary dispute ends thereafter.

5. The Kashmir issue will never be raised in any forum after a date mutually agreed to. Just forget about it and swallow your ego. If acceptable, let us talk.

6. Siachen Glacier, Sir Creek, and all other boundary disputes will be as India lays the rules of the game. Period.

7. Unless we have the most favoured nation status within a year of observing your traits, trade will start with Pakistan. Otherwise, forget it.

8. Tell your people the truth about falsehoods being spread by the Army. Tell Gen Munir to retire and evaporate from Pakistan.

9. Work on your economy, education, healthcare etc and we will give you peace on your eastern borders to assist you. Do not violate the ceasefire or else face our wrath.

10. Relieve Baluchistan and accept the two-nation theory with them. They were never part of you, so let them govern themselves. It will relieve you from a lot of debt to repay. Accept trade with them, both countries will benefit.

11. Engage your forces to fight terrorism troubling your country, leave us alone or we shall add salt to your wounds which would cause more harm to Pakistan.

12. Denuclearise in the next one year and declare Pakistan a non nuclear state. You don’t need it as you cannot compete with India. We have shown our prowess conventionally, let it sink in.

This is not a final list, it could be amended, only if Pakistan behaves.

Pakistan needs to get working on a new modus operandi for a ‘Naya Pakistan’. Which is to restore real democracy and kick the uniform and its dominance out of their system to prosper and breathe. Otherwise we shall have no choice but to fight till the end. Do not escalate or else the Sindoor which we know what it represents would be wiped off your foreheads without doubt.

Armed forces are never at rest. They have a few seasons to stay under the open skies deployed on the borders ahead of them. My prayers and salute for you guys, take care, be cautious and no complacency with these unpredictable people. We are proud of you.

I wish we would have finished OP Sindoor on a greater high. It has been proven that “peace comes from the power of the gun”. Now they want to continue, let us achieve our goals.

We are ready for the next operation which we shall call “OP Tandoor”. Cease Fire gaya tel lene. Will Pakistan ever give up its dirty tricks? I wonder!!!!!!