Adversarial media working on hidden agenda ?

Operation Sindoor

“Because of an abrupt ceasefire, Operation Sindoor has completed its mission only partially. But cinders remain. Who knows, it might be ignited if terrorism does not stop and PoK not returned to India as Modi has reiterated.”

I have read in newspapers, heard on TV channels and seen a number of WhatsApp messages the disturbing news that, in the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan following Pahalgam terror attack on 22nd April, 2025, India had lost one Rafale fighter jet, its pride possession.

It was a bad news for India, but a good news for Pakistan and Pakistan apologists in India. In Pakistan itself, this one Rafale became three. When Pakistan Foreign Minister was asked by a journalist for proof, the answer was, “It is all over  social media.” They could not produce even a metal piece nor a nut or bolt of the shot down Rafale, as evidence. It was obvious that was a canard.

Yet the word had spread because of the much-hyped power of Rafale as an invincible fighter jet, that Rafale had failed. As a result, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to face much censure and was pilloried by the Opposition Congress and the anti-Modi lobby within the country as well. Pakistan had indeed laboured hard to make the world believe the claims, made on social media, about Pakistan destroying our Rafale. Now the rumour has it that the share market value of Rafale manufacturing company has plummeted following ‘Operation Sindoor.’

Be that as it may, after all we can understand our enemy country spreading the canard to inform its people that they have not been defeated by ‘Operation Sindoor’ and in fact it was Pakistan that defeated India. Unfortunately for India, the announcement of the ceasefire declared separately by the warring countries made it plausible for Pakistan to make such a claim — about destroying Rafale Indian jet fighters and defeating India.

All this is understandable in a military conflict situation, but what you make of a minor section of our own people creating a face-saving eco-system for Pakistan instead of joining the national collective. Let me give one example.

Our Air Marshal A.K. Bharti was asked at a press briefing about Pakistan’s Rafale claim: Did Pakistan down Rafale jets?

Modi baiters were, apparently overjoyed by this question and waiting for an affirmative answer to downgrade ‘Operation Sindoor’. Fortunately, our Air Marshal simply saw through the mischief in the question and in keeping with the military practices and policy, he refused to reveal combat information.

The response to that pregnant question coated with gall was in line with the pride of IAF’s thumping victory. He simply told the questioner that “all our pilots are back home.” This answer, though short, was in fact quite eloquent. If all our pilots are back home, they did not come walking.

Having read a sprinkling of wars fought from ancient times to modern times, I know that truth is the first casualty in war. This reminds me of an incident in recent history. In 1805, a naval engagement took place known as Battle of Trafalgar between British Royal Navy and a combined fleet of the French and Spanish navies.

The French encountered a British fleet under Admiral Nelson known as the ‘Battle of Trafalgar’. Result: A grand British victory. (Like it is Indian victory in ‘Operation Sindoor’).

A month had passed after the Battle of Trafalgar was won by the British. One day the British newspapers stated that an English Officer, who had been a prisoner of war and was exchanged, returned to England from France. While every one was happy to receive him, he began to condone with his countrymen on the terrible defeat England had suffered. However, he was infinitely astonished to learn that the Battle of Trafalgar was a splendid victory for his beloved                       country, England.

The brainwashed or misinformed Officer said, while in French prison he was assured that in that battle the British had been totally defeated and the French people were fully persuaded to believe that the French had won the war!

Today, same kind of a political and military eco-system is created in Pakistan, backed by some anti-nationals of our country, because of the premature ceasefire where there is neither a winner nor a loser.

Remember, PoK and the UN initiated ceasefire? Gen. K.S. Thimayya was ready to take it back but the Nehru government accepted the ceasefire. Let not history repeat itself this time. Ceasefire with Pakistan has not done any good for India.

Well, there will be lies and false claims relating to any war. The same was the case with our wars with Pakistan. Go and ask the Pakistanis, you will know that in war “Truth is the first casualty.”

This is the time for those small groups of anti-Modi, anti-India brigades to follow what Winston Churchill told his people during World War II.

He said, “Right or wrong my country.” That was the national credo. Those adversaries of Modi and the anti-nationals must introspect at a time like this and wholeheartedly support the government. Otherwise, to quote Winston Churchill again, it would be like ‘a rat swimming towards a sinking boat,’ that Pakistan today is.

Jai Hind

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