New Delhi: Various defence experts Tuesday hailed the IAF’s pre-dawn air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed’s terror camp in Pakistan. Some said ‘the message had been communicated strongly’, while a former air chief said India needs to be on guard as Pakistan might react soon.
Former defence minister AK Antony, said, “Pakistan should realise that they cannot stand the might of the Indian armed forces.”
Former military secretary Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain termed the operation ‘an appropriate response (delivered) with a sense of proportionality’.
“It was a nonmilitary, preemptive strike and we have gone deep, so no scope for denial from Pakistan side,” said Hasnain. We have only targeted a terror camp. No civilian area or military installation was touched by us. Also, our measure is such that onus of escalation will now be on the Pakistani side,” Hasnain informed.
“Besides, the international community will continue to stand by us for the same reason and the traction gained form diplomatic and other means will continue to have impact,” said the former general officer commanding for the 15 and the 21 Corps.
Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh, former colonel of the Poona Horse, an over 200-year-old regiment, had mixed feelings about the air strike.
“It is like a double-edged sword. While the action has aroused our nation and fostered a sense of patriotism, by this strike, we have alerted Pakistan,” pointed out Singh.
“The message has been sent to them, but we have alerted Pakistan, and now they will get cautious. We now need a master plan to handle the situation,” added the 84-year-old who had participated in the 1962 (Indo-China), 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars.
Former IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal (retd) S Krishnaswamy complimented the government for taking the stand, but cautioned there might be ‘reaction’ from the Pakistani side.
“It is a natural to have a reaction (from Pakistan). I’ll be surprised if Pakistan doesn’t react in the next 48 hours…They cannot resist certain the temptation of a tit-for-tat,” said Krishnawamy. The former chief of air staff also said that there is ‘nothing called absolute safety, and we need to be on guard’.
Lt Gen (retd) Baljit Singh Jaswal said, “Precision strike is our capability. A wonderful job and kudos to that. The will of the government has been translated into action… We shall not take nonsense from Pakistan anymore.”
PTI