Ravi Shankar Prasad: ‘Over 75 years, we have suffered terror from Pakistan. Op Sindoor message clear: No More’
"PM Modi showed friendly indulgence to Pakistan... But what has India got? Pulwama and Uri (attacks)." says the former Union Law and Justice Minister
Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad underlines the BJP's stance on terrorism in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. (Facebook) 
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Hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first address to the nation on Operation Sindoor, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister of Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad spoke to The Indian Express on the developments since May 7, when Indian Armed Forces destroyed nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack on tourists. He underlined the Centre’s approach on terrorism going forward and the message India wants to send out to the world amidst this situation. Excerpts:
* What was the message of Operation Sindoor?
We are proud of the Armed Forces and the country is proud of the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the fight against terrorism, India can take decisive action. Such precision attacks on terrorist strongholds are extraordinary.
When Modiji took oath in 2014, he also called Nawaz Sharif (the then Prime Minister of Pakistan) for the ceremony. When he (the PM) went to inaugurate the Parliament building in Kabul, Nawaz Sharif insisted that he attend the marriage of his grandson. He went there (to the wedding). That is the friendly indulgence he (Modi) showed.
But what has India got from Pakistan? We got Pulwama and Uri (attacks). We took the appropriate call that we would be tough on terrorism and not engage with them. In spite of the decisive military actions (on Pakistan’s side), Pahalgam has happened. Pahalgam needed an appropriate and ferocious reply to showcase India’s might… India crushed terrorist centres like Bahawalpur and others, as well as leading Air Force assets like Sargodha, Nur Khan. Indian strikes reached into the heart of Pakistan with deadly accuracy.
We also see how Indian defence capabilities have strengthened under PM Modi. From Leh-Ladakh to Bhuj, our defence system thwarted any attempts. That is very important. It makes us proud. Terrorists have been killed… The country is now reassured.
Operation Sindoor was the appropriate name and it touched the sentiments of Indians. Tum ne desh ki betiyon ka sindoor ponchha, Operation Sindoor se tumhein hum khatam karenge (You wiped off the sindoor of India’s daughters. We will finish you through Operation Sindoor). The face of that (operation) became two women officers (referring to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who held media briefings on the Operation).
* Several Indian cities saw a wave of drone attacks from Pakistan and the sense of safety took a hit…
We are protected and our cities are absolutely safe. We have seen our power in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir. Could they (Pakistan) do anything? There is towering evidence of our grit. The extraordinary efforts of PM Modi in the indigenous production of weapons and reinforcing the needs of the Armed Forces have shown these results. Akash, BrahMos and Rafale are the resurgent symbols of our Armed Forces now.
* As the ruling party, what message does the BJP send to Pakistan and to the world?
India will not compromise on its security. The life of every individual in India is as precious as the life of Americans and Europeans. Terrorism is a curse for humanity. The world needs to come together in the fight against terrorism. That is the message.
*US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire between India and Pakistan first. This has prompted criticism about third-party intervention…
That is a diplomatic issue and it is being handled by the government at the highest level. To reiterate, India’s position is very clear that bilateral issues need to be resolved bilaterally. We are open to suggestions from anyone. Having said that, if bilateral issues are misused by promoting, anchoring and encouraging terrorism, then a befitting reply has to be given. And it has been done.
* We are not engaging with Pakistan directly. Does that make diplomacy difficult in the current situation?
In the last 75 years, the India-Pakistan relationship has been dented with so many bloody conflicts and wars. We have suffered a lot. No More. This is the clear message. A reply will be given…
* Has China played a role in the ceasefire negotiation?
As far as China is concerned, there was engagement — between our National Security Advisor and the Chinese Foreign Minister. They (China) have also condemned terrorism. India’s fight is against terrorism. And the commitment of the government of India, led by PM Modi, is to protect every individual. It will not depend on any equations with other countries.
* There was a large amount of misinformation in the last couple of days. Social media discourse reached a new low, with attacks on the Foreign Secretary and his family. Do you think this constrains diplomacy?
I am not going to be judgmental on what television channels are doing or what is on social media. All TV channels are responsible and have India’s interests in mind. If someone has trolled the daughter of the Foreign Secretary, it is wrong and reprehensible. These are reckless comments on social media. There is a proper mechanism to (address them) and it will be done.
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