The warmongers are saying its cowardice not to go to war; that war is a matter of honour. They tell us this is what the soldier signed up to do. Yes this is what the soldier signs up to do; this is what the soldier prepares for and trains their entire life. For that soldier as well, this is a matter of honour and the soldier is mindful of; ready and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. But war is not some bulb to switch on when politicians find it expedient or when the general populace is in the mood for revenge.
The hashtag was trending in India as well as Pakistan. The escalation of morning of 27th February seemed to awaken people to the fact that war involves real people, real blood, real families destroyed.
There were reports of one mysterious Indian chopper crash, two downed fighters – one from either side – and the capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan by Pakistan when his plane went down in enemy territory.
As a result of the escalations, Pakistan shut down their air space completely. Civil operations on the Indian side were also disrupted.
War isn’t about pawns on a chess board; though the political leadership – selectively silent – currently seems to be treating our military and our soldiers much like those pawns.
This video speaks about the complete devastation that could result out of a full-fledged nuclear war; the consequences not just for two countries but for humanity.
India and Pakistan are similarly plagued by poverty, illiteracy and backwardness. Our leaders should be working to eradicate these which are difficult, time-consuming tasks; vis-à-vis whipping up emotions which is easy.
People on social media have spoken out against the way that political mileage is already being made out of the sacrifices and efforts of the military personnel.
According to BS Yeddyurappa, the “air strikes will help us win more than 22 Lok Sabha seats”. Indian citizens are sickened by this rank politicisation and unashamed exploitation of a tense situation between two nuclear nations.
Most people asking for war are those with unrealistic ideas about bravery and patriotism. Either they have no idea about the reality of war or don’t really care because they think it doesn’t affect them.
The message of the soul that inspired generations of leaders and thinkers continues to inspire and bring sanity even today.
Many on social media narrated stories of past wars; the terrifying sound of warplanes and explosions, the expectation that anything could go wrong at any time, scarcity, disruption of normal life; the loss of beloved people.
Indians living abroad often discover commonality and friends among Pakistanis. Perhaps when one is far from home, there are more similarities to celebrate?
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