Early Times Report
Jammu, May 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered a pointed rebuttal to India Today Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai during a televised interview, addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy on the India-Pakistan conflict, particularly in the context of Operation Sindoor.
The exchange, which has sparked significant buzz on social media, highlighted Abdullah’s support for India’s counter-terrorism measures while subtly challenging Sardesai’s framing of the issue. The interview, conducted focused on India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025. The operation involved precision missile strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK), killing 70 terrorists and injuring 60, as reported by Indian officials. Pakistan’s response included heavy shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), particularly devastating Poonch, where 13 civilians, including four minors, lost their lives.
Sardesai questioned Abdullah on the Prime Minister’s doctrine of responding decisively to cross-border terrorism, seemingly anticipating criticism of the central government’s approach. Abdullah, however, took a measured yet assertive stance, aligning with India’s actions while emphasizing the need for peace and proportionality.
Abdullah began by acknowledging the necessity of India’s response to the Pahalgam attack, stating, “Which Indian won’t support the Prime Minister’s doctrine to curb terror? The attack in Pahalgam was a heinous act, and India had every right to respond to terrorist infrastructure across the border.” This direct endorsement of Modi’s policy caught Sardesai off guard, as social media posts on X noted the journalist’s surprised expression.
However, Abdullah pivoted to critique Pakistan’s disproportionat Which Indian won’t support the Prime Minister’s doctrine to curb terror?
The attack in Pahalgam was a heinous act, and India had every right to respond to terrorist infrastructure across the border.
This direct endorsement of PM Modi’s policy caught Sardesai off guard.
He remarked, “India went out of its way to ensure no civilian or military targets were hit in Pakistan, focusing solely on terror bases. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s response was anything but proportionate, killing innocent civilians in our border districts.” This statement underscored his disappointment with Pakistan’s actions while reinforcing India’s restraint.
When Sardesai pressed Abdullah on whether the escalation risked further destabilizing the region, Abdullah sharply countered, “Let’s not shift the focus. Pakistan sponsors terrorism, and India responds to protect its citizens. The real question is why Pakistan can’t silence its terror factories. We want to get on with our lives, but they force our hand.” This response redirected the conversation to Pakistan’s role in perpetuating the conflict, effectively sidestepping any critique of the Modi government’s strategy.
Abdullah also highlighted the human cost in Jammu and Kashmir, referencing the loss of Additional Deputy Commissioner Raj Kumar Thapa in Rajouri due to Pakistani shelling. “We lost a dedicated officer just doing his duty. Pakistan’s actions are indefensible,” he said, urging for expedited relief for affected civilians following the May 10 ceasefire.
The exchange resonated widely on X, where users praised Abdullah’s logical and patriotic stance. One post described Sardesai as “embarrassed” by Abdullah’s response, noting, “Rajdeep never expected such a logical, apt, and reasonable reply.” Another user remarked, “Rajdeep apparently expected Modi’s criticism here, but look at his face when CM Omar Abdullah responded… Priceless.” These reactions, while reflective of public sentiment, remain inconclusive without broader verification. |
