Meeting In Kashmir Woods During Gradual Return To Normalcy Following Ceasefire
India has threatened that any terror strike will now be regarded as an act of war and will attract a stern reaction.
Srinagar:
A gun battle has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian between terrorists and four security forces, sources in the security establishment reported. The encounter first started in Kulgam and then moved to a forest location in Shopian. Army and paramilitary security personnel have been engaged with the terrorists for approximately two hours now. Security personnel had intercepted the terrorists on an intelligence tip.
The timing is opportune. It follows in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliation following the Pahalgam terror attack, during which 26 innocents were brutally killed. India has conducted airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and threatened that any terror attack will now be regarded as an act of war and invite a stern response.
On his address to the nation yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Operation Sindoor has etched a new benchmark in India’s battle against terrorism and established a “new normal”.
“First, if any terrorist attack occurs on India, a befitting response will be provided. We will provide a befitting response at our own time. We will take stern action at all the locations from where the seeds of terrorism grow. Secondly, India will not accept any nuclear blackmail. India will attack exactly and firmly at the terrorist camps growing under the shade of nuclear blackmail,” he said. “Thirdly, we will not distinguish between the government supporting terrorism and the architects of terrorism. In Operation Sindoor the world has once again witnessed the ugly face of Pakistan, when senior Pakistani army officials came to bid adieu to the dead terrorists. This is concrete proof of state-sponsored terrorism. We will keep taking firm steps to safeguard India and our citizens from any danger,” the Prime Minister stated.
On May 7, India conducted airstrikes on terror installations in Pakistan and PoK and made it clear that its offensive was focused only on terrorists with pinpoint accuracy. Pakistan, nevertheless, retaliated with intense shelling that caused the civilian casualty and a shower of drones and missiles aimed at civilian areas. India’s air defence intercepted most of the projectiles. Retaliating, India struck Pakistani military bases, including its primary airbases, causing extensive destruction. On May 10, there was a declaration of a ceasefire, but Indian military has indicated that it is keeping Pakistan under close watch and any escapade will invoke action.
