Guiding Light: Operation Sindoor And The Dharmic Response To Terrorism

The whole world is celebrating the surgical strikes of the Indian Defence Forces on the nine terrorist camps in Pakistan. So why are we talking about it in a spiritual column? Because this is exactly what a Dharmic response should look like. This is not about revenge nor vengeance. It is just an act of justice, even the consequences of a cowardly terrorist attack on the tourists.

Why Dharmic? Because there was no collateral damage and no civilians were targeted. Even the army establishments of the enemy were not targeted this time. Of course, if there is an escalation, they become part of legitimate targets.

So, there is no warmongering, there is no unnecessary beating of the chest, just a proper, appropriate response. And the message is clear: ‘We can penetrate your defences at any time. If you mess with our people, you cannot get away with it. If you escalate the issue, you will be in bigger problems.’

So, this is not only serving justice, it is also sending a message across. Even choosing the title is an appropriate message—Operation Sindoor. “You widowed our women. So here we serve justice.” The terrorists told the woman, “Go. Tell Modi.” And the women officers of the armed forces replied to what had been done. Very appropriate.

Does this solve the problem of terrorism? By no means. Terrorism and adharmic forces will have to be fought ahead on a day-to-day basis. When more than 50 years ago, Bangladesh was formed, the political establishment was rejoicing that the problem of East Pakistan was solved forever. The Army leadership those days always said, “Well, 30-40 years, we won't have problems. After that the problems will start again.” History proves them right.

One only has to look at what Bangladesh has become today. So adharmic forces will have to be fought by every generation on a day-to-day basis. That is the very nature of the world. That is not only today, but at any time.

The writer is the founder of Aarsha Vidya Foundation. You can write to him at aarshavidyaf@gmail.com