Choose geography or history: Army chief's stern warning to Pakistan

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi warned Pakistan against sheltering terrorists and targeting India. His remarks signalled a hard line if any fresh provocation comes after last year's Operation Sindoor.

In Short

• General Upendra Dwivedi warns Pakistan on sheltering terrorists
• Comes days after India marked Op Sindoor anniversary
• India destroyed terror camps, targeted Pakistan military sites last year

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday issued a strong warning to Pakistan, saying that if it continued to shelter terrorists and target India, it would have to decide whether it wanted to remain "part of geography or history". The Army chief's remarks - perhaps the military's sharpest warning since last year's Operation Sindoor - came when he was asked how India would respond if Pakistan provokes it again.

Addressing the 'Sena Samwad' event at the Manekshaw Centre, General Dwivedi's remarks come a week after India marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. During the operation, the Indian military destroyed terror camps deep inside Pakistan. A ceasefire was later reached on Islamabad's request on May 10, but only after India struck 11 key Pakistani military sites.

"If it (Pakistan) continues to harbour terrorists and operate against India, then they have to decide whether they want to be part of geography or history or not," General Dwivedi said.

ARMY CHIEF ECHOES RAJNATH SINGH

This is, however, not the first time that India has issued such a warning to Pakistan. Last year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Pakistan would face a "resounding response" that would alter both its history and geography if it dared to intrude in the Sir Creek region.

The 96-kilometre tidal estuary along the India-Pakistan border near Gujarat's Rann of Kutch has long been eyed by Islamabad as of strategic value. "Attempts to illegally occupy Sir Creek will be met with a response that will change history and geography," Rajnath had said.

The Army chief's remark, echoing the defence minister, serves as another stark reminder to Pakistan.

Significantly, the remark comes at a time when the RSS has advocated dialogue with Pakistan, generating backlash from the Congress and opposition.

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, in an interview with PTI, said India should keep channels of communication open with Pakistan without compromising on "security" and "self-respect". His stand was endorsed by former Army chief General Manoj Naravane.

While Pakistan welcomed the reamrks, the Congress wondered whether the Sangh was advocating it at the behest of some "hyper power".

- Ends