Fury Erupts in Rawalpindi
The crowd in Rawalpindi was enveloped in a wave of anger, chanting slogans that filled the streets. “There will be war,” they shouted in unison. “The war will continue until Kashmir is liberated. Until India is destroyed. There will be war.”
Drone Incident Escalates Tensions
Earlier that day, an alleged Indian drone crashed near food stalls by the cricket stadium, injuring a civilian. This incident was part of a larger claim by Pakistan that at least 25 drones from India had entered Pakistani airspace overnight, labeled as “another blatant act of military aggression.”
India’s Aggressive Airstrikes
The night before, India conducted its most extensive airstrikes against Pakistan in decades, targeting nine sites it identified as militant hubs responsible for deadly attacks on Indian soil. Tragically, among the 31 fatalities were women and children. Tensions boiled over further on Thursday, with explosions reported in Jammu in Indian-controlled Kashmir from a suspected Pakistani drone assault.
Calls for Retaliation
Following India’s alleged drone incursions into Pakistani territory, Rawalpindi’s streets were charged with calls for retaliation. Protesters demanded: “Attack India and destroy India,” while showing support for the Pakistani military.
Historical Context of India-Pakistan Relations
Since the partition in 1947, India and Pakistan have engaged in four wars. While there have been periods of peace, cross-border aggressions often reignite deep-seated suspicions, leading to public demands for retaliation. In Rawalpindi, which houses the military’s headquarters, there was significant frustration over Pakistan’s inaction following the strikes.
Voices of Division
While some called for immediate military action, others warned against the repercussions of war. “What are we waiting for? Our military must respond now,” urged a government servant. However, many acknowledge that a full-scale war would worsen an already precarious situation, as Pakistan grapples with internal conflicts and economic strife.
Concerns from Across the Border
In India, military readiness and sentiment toward a strong response have risen after recent militant attacks in Kashmir. While some celebrated the airstrikes as necessary for national security, others expressed trepidation over potential escalation. “We have seen this issue with Pakistan many times before,” remarked a concerned security guard. “It never ends well.”
