Jammu: Western Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar on Tuesday warned that Pakistan may attempt another Pahalgam-style terror attack, but asserted that India’s response Operation Sindoor 2.0—would be far more powerful and decisive.
Speaking at an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, Lt Gen Katiyar said Pakistan lacks the capacity to engage India in open warfare and continues to rely on terrorism as part of its long-standing strategy to “bleed India through a thousand cuts.” He emphasised that any future provocation will invite a stronger and deadlier response from Indian forces.
“The action we will take this time will be much more powerful. There is no doubt that Operation Sindoor 2.0 will be deadlier than before,” he said. “Pakistan does not have the courage to fight us directly, so it resorts to such mischiefs. But we are fully prepared to deal with any attempt.”
The Army commander praised the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. He said the operation inflicted heavy losses on Pakistan’s posts and air bases, giving a befitting reply to cross-border aggression. “We destroyed their key installations and posts. If they try again, our response will be even more devastating,” he added.
Addressing an ex-servicemen rally in Jammu, Lt Gen Katiyar recalled the unity and patriotism displayed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir during the 1965 war, saying Pakistan misjudged their loyalty to India. “In 1965, about 10,000 Razakars infiltrated from Pakistan, but the people of Jammu and Kashmir stood firmly with us. That spirit of patriotism continues even today,” he said.
The event, marking the Diamond Jubilee of the 1965 war, began with the hoisting of a 50-foot national flag and a wreath-laying ceremony at Balidan Stambh. Lt Gen Katiyar interacted with students, NCC cadets, and Scouts, urging them to uphold the values of discipline and service to the nation.
A mega ex-servicemen rally at Satwari Ground, attended by over 3,000 veterans, ‘Veer Naris’, and families of martyrs, was also held under the theme “Shaurya, Samarpan aur Samadhan.” The gathering paid tribute to war heroes and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to national security and the welfare of its veterans.
