Dhakaবৃহস্পতিবার, ২৯ মে ২০২৫

War Is Not a Bollywood Movie or Romantic Notion: Former Indian Army Chief

International Desk, Rtv News

Monday, 12 May 2025 , 07:52 PM


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Photo: Collected

Former Indian Army Chief General (Retd.) Manoj Naravane has strongly dismissed the glorification of war, stating that it is neither romantic nor anything like a Bollywood film. His remarks come in response to critics questioning the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

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Speaking as the chief guest at an event in Pune district on Monday, Naravane said that people living in border regions suffer lifelong trauma due to the constant threat of conflict, the loss of loved ones, and displacement caused by war.

"If ordered by the government, I would still be ready to go to war," Naravane said. "But personally, I always prefer diplomacy as the first course of action."

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"War is not something to celebrate," he emphasised. "It's not a movie—it's a grave and painful reality. War or violence should only be considered when all diplomatic efforts have failed. Even our Prime Minister has said that this is not the time for war. Unfortunately, some ignorant individuals are trying to push us into one, but there’s nothing glorious about it"

Addressing growing public sentiment questioning why India didn’t launch a full-scale war, Naravane explained, "As a soldier, if I receive an order, I’ll fight. But war will never be my first choice."

He continued, "My priority will always be diplomacy—resolving disagreements through dialogue. This principle should not only apply to international relations but also to our personal lives. Violence is never a true solution."

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Background of the Conflict
On April 22, a brutal terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, claimed the lives of 26 male tourists, most of whom were Hindus. The assailants used automatic rifles in the assault.

In response, India implemented several diplomatic measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and revoking visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to India and cancelling Indian visas.

Tensions escalated when India launched a limited military operation dubbed "Operation Sindoor" targeting areas in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to Indian officials, 70 Pakistani militants were killed. Pakistan, however, reported 31 deaths and 57 injuries.

Within three days, Pakistan initiated a counter-operation named "Operation Bunyān-ul-Marsūs"—an Arabic term meaning "Wall of Lead."

Amid rising hostilities, the United States intervened diplomatically. Following high-level talks, both India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, which came into effect last Saturday.

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