- The whole world witnessed how the brutal attack by the terrorists killed innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in both the neighbouring countries waging a war that could have proved to be catastrophic for the entire region and beyond. The Indian Union Government had to respond to the unprovoked attack on the tourists emanating from the Pakistani deep state, always on the lookout to create a sense of disturbance in the country, which struck in J&K when things were returning to normalcy. Remember, the abrogation of Article 370 was always expected to invoke strong reactions from across the border. The Pakistani army, led by the fundamentalist general, was also expected to foment further trouble. And it happened.
PC: Bluesky Education
- The Pahalgam terrorist attack amplified to what extent the Pakistani terror factory can go to create inconvenience here. The Indian military response in the form of Operation Sindoor was not only emphatic but also showed to the global community that we are not only capable of launching a counterattack deep inside Pakistani territory but also call the bluff of the nuclear threat nonchalantly. That the Indian military could inflict great harm to some of the most protected establishments in Pakistan spoke volumes about our capability to launch a debilitating/effective/targeted response. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was categorical in stating that sports and terrorism cannot go together, nor can water and blood flow together. He’s right.
PC: The Federal
- The moot point to ponder over here is whether cricket, that is so dear to us Indians, should be played against Pakistan at all. The ongoing Asia Cup T20 cricket tournament did throw up this pertinent question since the terror attack is so fresh in our minds. It’s quite natural for many conscientious people to mention that sports should be treated as apolitical and bereft of parochial considerations. However, the fact of the matter is, whipping up emotions for gaining traction among the already hurting masses is par for the course for the political class, irrespective of ideologies. Conversely, while the ruling dispensation and, in turn, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has a valid reason to participate in the multilateral events.
PC: Sky Sports
- If we boycott the multilateral events where Pakistan is one of the countries participating, such a stand may go against the tenet of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Mind you, India is making earnest bids to host the Olympic Games soon. Consistently boycotting the multilateral events involving Pakistan may not do our bidding process any good. This could be the reason for the Union Government and the BCCI deciding to be a part of the Asia Cup. Yes, the popular sentiment within the country is to boycott any bilateral cricket exchanges between India and Pakistan. However, despite the players’ mood aligning with the countrymen, Team India has played and brushed aside the Pakistani side mercilessly. Yes, there were no customary handshakes too.
