Since the arrival of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the helm, a marked change has occurred in the outlook of the Indian Army. Apolitical hitherto, it gradually became involved in politics one way or another. Anti-Muslim sentiments gained momentum, and Bollywood-style hyper-action movies began to shape perceptions—blurring the line between fiction and reality—and influencing operational planning. “Surgical strikes” found a place in their doctrine, accompanied by the chest-thumping slogan:
اندر گھس کے ماریں گے
This was acceptable in movies, where a scriptwriter and director control and shape events. In reality, however, the “director” turned out to be Pakistan—executing precisely what is required in such situations.
27 February 2019
A “surgical strike” was carried out—nowhere in Azad Kashmir— merely jettisoning bombs into wilderness before hurrying back. Pakistan responded in kind. An aerial battle ensued:
• One MiG-21, piloted by Wing Comd Abhinandan, was shot down over Pakistani territory and the pilot captured.
• One Su-30 was downed over Indian-occupied Kashmir.
• In the ensuing confusion, the Indian military shot down its own helicopter near Srinagar.
Later, Mr Modi openly admitted— rather, complained—that had India possessed Rafale fighter aircraft, the situation would have been different. In the annals of military history, I have not encountered such a statement from a head of government. In my childhood, however, I often heard arguments like:
“If my elder brother were here, I would have done this or that.”
7-10 May 2025
Another false flag operation followed by yet another set of “surgical strikes.” What came next was absent from any Bollywood script that had previously inspired Indian planners.
Within seconds, seven Indian aircraft were brought down—these included three Rafales, one Su30, one MiG-29, and others. The Indian political leadership promptly approached the United States and agreed to a ceasefire.
The Lies
This is the crux of my write-up. What pains me is that the Indian Army, once a highly professional outfit, respected even by its adversaries, has fallen from grace. It is truly sad to see a professional opponent descend at such lightning speed.
The First Lie: It came in Feb 2019, when India claimed that Wing Comd Abhinandan had shot down an F-16. Do you think it is a joke to bring down an F-16 with a MiG-21—and that Lockheed Martin (USA) would take it lying down? They immediately refuted the claim. To add insult to injury, Abhinandan was decorated for this “feat.” For the rest of his life, he will face embarrassment whenever that medal or award is mentioned.
The Second Lie: Months after the May 2025 showdown—while the whole world was praising the PAF and discussing the technological edge of Chinese equipment, and while Dassault’s shares plummeted after the loss of three Rafales— the Chief of Air Staff, IAF, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, suddenly claimed that the IAF had also shot down five PAF aircraft. Sardar Jee, where—and which aircraft—are these? Pakistan has even offered to invite independent international observers to visit both countries and verify the claims.
Conclusion
افسوس ہوا
(Really sad)
I cannot understand what compelled such a senior officer, coming from a martial race, to emerge after three months with a falsehood. Sad indeed. I did not expect this. Napoleon once said:
“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.”
So, by all means—keep going:
لگے رہو منا بھائی
