Thread by @SaurabhChhikara

#Handwara Op. - A recurring, underlying theme

While this low intensity conflict cannot be stopped, there is no need to prove ones bravery or uphold unit's izzat by getting into closed/ built up spaces or getting into imminent harm's way, again & again.

1/10

In the present instance, the CO was a SM** having been decorated twice for gallantry in the Valley.

You do that 2-3 times, successfully...the 4th time, lady luck turns it's back on you.

2/10

Terrorists get holed up - blow/ burn the damn place down, pay compensation or if the buggers get away, so be it.
You will get them, anyway. Another day, another time...

3/10

Despite 30 yrs. having passed by, the thrust on getting kills, the premium & shaan on proving one's individual mettle, unit's perceived izzat with higher ups + within the AOR continues to be very high within our Army and we continue to pay heavy price with own casualties.

4/10

Above was true back in 2000 when one was in uniform in a similar Counter Insurgency environment as it is, today. In the intervening 20 years, one has borne the loss of family members, dear friends & seniors-juniors to this malaise and all one is left with are memories...

5/10

...of a shared past & the pain of having been the pall-bearer to some of them.

These men were brave yesterday & will continue to be brave, after this incident too. It takes balls of steel to do what they did.

6/10

However, we need to approach this game with a cold, calculated mindset while keeping emotions, at bay.
Our boys will never come back, while the cockroaches will keep coming...😢
@BrigMahalingam @rwac48
@satbirsm @bkum2000
@PravinSawhney @brigtejinder
@bdun53 @colhunnybakshi
10/10