Important actions related to Operation Sindoor are still in the realm of conjecture as both India and Pakistan have only selectively leaked information, some of which are questionable or require elaboration. Governments on both sides cannot be faulted for the veil of secrecy they maintain even as these are democratically elected dispensations. That has been the way it is in respect of most wars. Yet, information is trickling down in bits and pieces. For instance, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chouhan stated in Singapore that India lost fighter jets though he avoided spelling out the exact numbers. That India lost at least one jet was a general understanding. What he would now assert is that the “Pakistani claim that it downed six IAF aircraft was a lie.” His failure to give the exact number tells its own story and only adds to the existing confusion. A question could also arise as to why he went all the way there to state this, rather than saying this out here for the domestic audience. It however is the brief of the government to clear the air of uncertainty. The military chief is not duty-bound to make a public statement.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to different states, addressing meetings, and warning Pakistan that he would send missiles if they dared to fire more bullets from there. If Pakistan has got this message there is no need for such threats anymore. Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, however thinks Pakistan fought back brilliantly. Hence his claim that the Field Marshal post that the Pakistan government accorded him now was thanks not to Allah, but to Modi. In other words, both sides are showing the courage for grandstanding. For others, however, it’s difficult now to differentiate between chaff and wheat. Therein lies the rub.
Yet, it must be admitted that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has not minced words when he admitted that the Pakistani establishment was taken unawares by the swiftness of the Indian attack on the first day, though India gave them an advance warning. He admitted that Pakistan’s air defence systems were pulverized by the Indian missile attacks. He listed the losses. This candour on his part must, certainly, be appreciated. He wanted to boldly admit the truth and showed a readiness to face public retribution, if that was forthcoming. It would be appreciable if India too showed a frankness to explain matters. At the same time, note also the point why Pakistan has no proof to show — of the fighter jets it claimed to have shot down. A fair analysis as to who won and who lost is possible only when we have facts on the ground. Even a parliament session, where many questions are bound to be asked, will not clear the haze as the government can always take refuge under the secrecy clause.
