New Delhi: India will categorically tell Pakistan that any further attempt to escalate the situation will lead to severe reprisal. According to sources, this will be made clear during the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks between the two countries on Monday evening.
The Pakistani DGMO called his Indian counterpart on Saturday evening, after India struck several airbases in Pakistan, destroying vital infrastructure. It was also reported that Indian missiles may have hit Pakistan’s underground nuclear sites, including the one at Kirana Hills. The Pakistani DGMO appealed for an immediate cessation of operations. India agreed and a ceasefire came into effect from 6 pm on Saturday.
This ceasefire would remain in effect till noon on Monday, India said, if Pakistan stopped its escalation efforts. The DGMOs of the two nations would speak again on Monday, it was decided.
However, Pakistan was back in action late on Saturday evening. Its posts opened fire along the Line of Control (LOC) and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) and surveillance drones were launched against Indian military and civilian targets. Most of these were destroyed. On Sunday morning, India sent a warning to Pakistan through the DGMO’s hotline. There was no further action by Pakistan and things remained peaceful on Sunday night.
Early on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with defence minister Rajnath Singh, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and the three services chiefs. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was also present. According to an official, India’s stand was discussed at this meeting. This stand was to be made clear during the DGMO-level talks.
“During the DGMO-level talks, India will make it clear that our armed forces are prepared to handle any situation. They will retaliate with severe force if Pakistan attempts to carry out any strike against India. In simple words, Pakistan will be told to behave. The matter of false narratives being spun during media briefings by Pakistani military officers will also be taken up,” the official said.
