One thing is nevertheless quite explicit that the operation has refurbished the image of Narendra Modi, which was witnessing serious erosion in recent months, precisely after the poor performance of the BJP at the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. It cannot be denied that the Operation Sindoor has resurrected the Brand Modi. Though the defence and army officials involved in the Operation claim that it was calibrated and was of non-escalatory nature, the latest developments present a very scary scenario. Reports carried by the foreign news agencies, which paint a contrary view to what Indian officials claim, that of targeting only terrorist establishments, have indeed been a matter of concern. In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, there are already reports of cross-border firing and several civilian deaths in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Pakistani premier Shehbaz Sharif’s assertion that “India will have to suffer the consequences of its airstrikes and we will avenge the blood of our innocent martyrs” after at least 31 people were reported killed and dozens wounded in India’s attack deep into Punjab province and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, ought not to be taken lightly. In the Indian strike, Pakistan army spokesman claimed that at least 31 of its civilians had been killed and 46 wounded. Sharif pledged to respond, "at a time, place and manner of its choosing to avenge the loss of innocent Pakistani lives and blatant violation of its sovereignty". His avowal — "For the blatant mistake that India made last night, it will now have to pay the price. Perhaps they thought that we would retreat, but they forgot that...this is a nation of brave people"— must be taken seriously.

It would be imprudent, otherwise. His euphoric assertion must be seen and analysed in proper perspective. Already some Muslim countries have pledged their support to Pakistan. Even China has described it as its “all-weather friend”. Situation has turned vulnerable with Bangladesh showing its closeness to Pakistan. Clearly there are alarming signs of yet another Indo-Pak war looming large. Even US president Donald Trump has refrained from telling Pakistan to back-off from further complicating the situation.

Though the entire opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, has thrown its weight behind Modi and extended its full moral support in his actions against Pakistan, Modi and senior BJP leaders do not appear to be honestly responding to their gesture. Modi cannot deny that he is keen on exploiting the present impasse for political gains. Kashmiri people who had come out on the streets against terrorists and helped the tourists in escaping the terrorist attack, were being harassed. Even Omar Abdullah who supported Modi, has had to caution the PM against perpetrating oppression on ordinary Kashmiris. Hundreds of Kashmiris have been jailed post Pahalgam massacre. This action lacks any justification.

The name Operation Sindoor invokes the agenda of justice for the Hindu women who have lost their husbands in the terror attack. However, naming of the Operation ‘Sindoor’ has also caused some alarm in the minds of conscientious citizens, since Indian Army has many Muslims, Christians and personnels belonging to other religious communities. More importantly, those who were killed by terrorists were from all across the country. In South India, women usually do not wear sindoor. It is not the part of their cultural tradition. They wear mangalsutra and a kumkum/bindi on their forehead, which was referred to by Modi on numerous of occasions during his election campaign.

No denying, the word Sindoor has been used to exploit the emotions of women voters of Bengal and Bihar and other states, some of which are expecting assembly polls in the coming months. Moreover, by emphasising on Sindoor, saffron ecosystem is trying to exploit the emotions of Hindus. If Modi was really struck with grief, he should not have resorted to theatrics, frequently changing his dress during his tour to states just after the Pahalgam massacre. He would have shared the grief of the people of country.

However, it was heartening to see two military women officials, Col Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force briefing the newsmen about the army proceedings. They were candid in saying Pahalgam terrorist attack was aimed at flaming communal riots. They credited the people of Kashmir for foiling this design. Ironically, the saffron ecosystem continues to call the Kashmiris as sympathisers of terrorists and targeting them.

But while letting the two lady officers brief the press, Modi has tried to reach out to the women voters. But neither he nor his party colleagues have objected to vilification of Himanshi Narwal, wife of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal of the Indian Navy, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Shockingly, while the BJP and RSS cadres are moving around and praising Modi for his ‘strong leadership’, they have been using inhuman and unsavoury words for Himanshi. She is being criticised for wearing makeup while addressing the press.

These people noticed her makeup, but preferred to ignore the message she gave to the nation: “My husband was in the defence forces and he wanted to protect the peace, protect the innocent lives. He wanted to make sure that there is no hatred and terror in this country. I am thankful to the government, but I request them not to end it here. I want them to make sure that this is just the start of the end of terrorism in our country.” Will Modi take action against troll army and saffron political voice who tried to demean the symbol of supreme sacrifice?

This time his government’s call “Siren Bajega, Batti Bujhao” reminisces his call for “Thali Bajao, Thali Bajao” which he had given during the outbreak of Covid. Modi government has also launched “Mission Blackout Drill Task”. People are being cautioned of a possible attack from Pakistan. Blackout was observed in 1971. But no attempt was made to panic the citizens. This is once again a move to arouse the communal feelings and emotions. Modi government knows it well that with the number of modern technologies at hand of the attackers, a blackout is inconsequential. Now the airforce simply needs the location, not the light. (IPA Service)