“We beheld in the sky what appeared to us to be a mass of scarlet cloud resembling the fierce flames of a blazing fire. From that mass many blazing missiles flashed, and tremendous roars, like the noise of a thousand drums beaten at once. And from it fell many weapons winged with gold and thousands of thunderbolts, with loud explosions, and many hundreds of fiery wheel.”
Vaimānika Śāstra
Narendra Damodardas Modi the Prime Minster believes that such an Indian kingdom existed in antiquity and that he is the reincarnation of Arjuna in Baghavad Gita, flying a massive Vimana with thousands of airborne chariots. He believes that these flying objects rained hell on Mohenjo Daro and Harappa in Pakistan. He is convinced that he is the chosen one by gods to lead the charge. The land he must hail with fire is Pakistan.
His mindset is more allied with a similar Zionist thinking. He wants to make Pakistan what Israel has done to its Arab neighbours and Palestine. What happens in Indian held Kashmir is no different from what happened at Sabra, Shatila and Gaza. Pakistan must be destroyed and ‘Bharat Versha’ must extend beyond Indus (where India takes its name). On the night 27/28 February, the long wait for Modi to reincarnate himself as Arjuna once and for all was over; but before him stood a prophet of peace with resolve of Tipu Sultan.
Support to India by its closest nuclear allies nearly reached lethal proportions albeit detriment to the world. Combined US and Israeli early warning systems and weaponry was at India’s disposal to teach Pakistan a telling lesson.
According to Robert Frisk, “Israel is playing a big role in India’s escalating conflict with Pakistan. Signing up to the ‘war on terror’ – especially ‘Islamist terror’ – may seem natural for two states threatened by Muslim neighbours”. “For months, Israel has been assiduously lining itself up alongside India’s nationalist BJP government in an unspoken – and politically dangerous anti-Islamist coalition. India is the largest weapons market for Israel. Indian used Israeli-made Rafael Spice-2000 “smart bombs” that Indian pilots were too incapable to handle.
In the first round came a Barat (wedding procession) of wildest arrays. A flight of Mirage 2000 supported by Israeli AWACS, jammers, drones and interceptors were challenged by Pakistan Air Force while still in Indian controlled airspace. The incursion was supported by diversions in Punjab and Sindh. The armada of ‘Rukma Vimana’ then conducted an exit loop violating Pakistan’s airspace and dropping off their payload in haste gliding free-fall into a forest. Many trees in the jungle were destroyed. Jumping and thumping, military video gamers of Indian media announced victory.
The next day, Pakistan responded by locking onto six targets in Indian held territory and did not fire. On return they lured two Indian interceptors into Pakistan and shot them, taking one Indian prisoner. Notwithstanding Indian claims, India’s allies were observing Pakistan’s combat professionalism. But the faux pas continued.
On night 27/28 Pakistan sent signals to India and the world that it was waiting for missile strikes. Airspaces were closed and radio silence imposed. Some sites without creating panic were put under black out. Some information on Indian movements was inserted in electronic clutter. Fed by elixirs of self-glory, myths and technology, India was on a high, missing these signals. After the National Security meeting, India locked six sites in Pakistan with surface to surface missiles. In retaliation, Pakistan locked onto these sites and came into the highest state of readiness. UN Security Council members were engaged and told that Pakistan would respond the moment Indian missiles are fired. Pakistan’s would hit Indian targets before Indian missiles hit Pakistan. After a flurry of night time international activity, Narendra Damodardas Modi, the self- incarnated Arjuna of Baghavad Gita blinked.
The world was saved a catastrophe by Pakistan’s preparedness and political will that was demonstrated before the world in the joint session of the Parliament. Pakistan was in unison.
Two contrasts are conspicuous. While Narendra Damodardas Modi the Prime Minster of India is playing a dangerous game of nuclear brinkmanship and escalation, Prime Minister Imran Khan is calling for peace, restraint and de-escalating flash points. The two are diametrically opposed; one a jingoist and other a humanitarian and humanist; one wants a Bharat Versha and other a peaceful region where welfare of people thrives.
But the crises are not yet over. In India emotions and myths prevail over rationality. An untoward incident could still provide an Archduke Ferdinand waiting to happen. India and its invisible allies may yet make a last desperate move.
But one reaction is definite. The entire wrath of Indian failure will fall on Kashmiri people who want a right of self-determination under UN resolutions. Under international law, this struggle including armed resistance is legitimate but India supported by its allies will continue branding it terrorism. The longest freedom struggle in history continues.
But there is a lesson and reminder from history.
Germany and France fought two world wars in 20th Century over deep rooted enmity. Yet French President Charles De Gaulle and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer met on 22 January 1963 at the Élysée Palace to sign the Élysée Treaty. The two countries prospered, Germany united ultimately leading to European Union. See what EU has become.
India and Pakistan too could resolve seven decades of enmity, settle the Kashmir issue and lay foundations for a prosperous and highly advanced South Asia. I am sure Imran Khan is willing but who will harness the jingoist, extremist, blacklisted and blood hungry Narendra Damodardas Modi?
The answer is left to the international community and people of India.
