Vinay Kwatra:
Yes, look, I don’t know what is the basis on which the Pakistan side is sharing this information, but I would rather not speak to the operational details.
But I think the way you read the preface to your question in terms of describing the tensions between India and Pakistan, I think well before the recent round of drone exchanges started happening last night, early morning, day before last night, previous early morning, I think, as you very rightly observed, the killing of 26 civilians on 22nd of April by four terrorists with clear linkages, support base and training facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was the starting point.
The attack took place in Pahalgam in India. I would say not Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. It is India’s Kashmir. India — Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. The only aspect that has yet to be resolved is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to us.
Be that as it may, so it started on 22nd of April. I’m sure the viewers would like to know that the killings were carried out in the most brutal manner, based on the religion. All the non-Muslims were shot in the head in front of their wives, in front of their innocent children. That was the start.
We waited 15 days, expecting, hoping that Pakistan would act against these terrorist bases, terrorists in their country. Nothing happened. We even started receiving intelligence reports that there might be more impending terrorist attacks on India.
So, on 6th — night of 6th May, 7th May, we launched a very protracted, limited attack on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir linked to terrorists, linked to terrorist training camps, linked to training terrorist-integrated facilities, where they train them, arm them, equip them, organize them. That was the purpose with which the strikes were launched.
With that, we closed the chapter on our side; 22 April was the trigger. We responded. The matter from our side was closed. We are not interested in what Pakistan is doing vis-a-vis other countries. We were only interested in bringing terrorists to justice, holding them accountable, and giving justice to the victims of the terror. And that’s what we did.
Day before yesterday, Pakistan did some military engagement through drones. We responded. Matter closed. Yesterday night, this morning, we did a drone engagement. We engaged, matter closed. So, from our side, it has always been about terror and holding terrorists accountable and bringing justice to the victims.
We have no intention of going in any other direction. But should we, should Pakistan be proactive? I have no option but to respond and insofar as our attack on Pakistan’s soil is concerned on these terrorists.
