NEW DELHI: Former Indian Army chief General Manoj Naravane has strongly criticised the questions raised about public calls for a full-scale war between India and Pakistan, emphasising that war is not a "Bollywood movie" and should always be the last resort.
Speaking at an event in Pune, Naravane underlined the importance of diplomacy and peaceful dialogue, adding that, as a soldier, he would go to war if ordered.
"War is not romantic. It is not your Bollywood movie. It is very serious business... Although war will be forced upon us by unwise people, we should not cheer for it," he said.
The former Army chief also highlighted the psychological toll conflict takes on civilians living along the borders, particularly children.
"For those who have lost their loved ones, that trauma will be carried through generations. People who have seen gruesome scenes wake up sweating even after 20 years and need psychiatric care," he further added.
Naravane insisted that while he is ready to fight if necessary, peaceful negotiations are the preferred approach. "Still, people are asking why we have not gone for a full-out war. That will not be my first choice," he stated.
He stressed the role of every citizen in maintaining peace and national security.
"We are all equal stakeholders in national security. We should try to resolve differences not only between countries, but amongst ourselves, whether in families or between states, regions, and communities. Violence is not the answer," he said.
His comments came days after India carried out Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This was followed by a joint declaration from India and Pakistan agreeing to cease all military actions by land, air, and sea.
Speaking at an event in Pune, Naravane underlined the importance of diplomacy and peaceful dialogue, adding that, as a soldier, he would go to war if ordered.
"War is not romantic. It is not your Bollywood movie. It is very serious business... Although war will be forced upon us by unwise people, we should not cheer for it," he said.
The former Army chief also highlighted the psychological toll conflict takes on civilians living along the borders, particularly children.
"For those who have lost their loved ones, that trauma will be carried through generations. People who have seen gruesome scenes wake up sweating even after 20 years and need psychiatric care," he further added.
Naravane insisted that while he is ready to fight if necessary, peaceful negotiations are the preferred approach. "Still, people are asking why we have not gone for a full-out war. That will not be my first choice," he stated.
He stressed the role of every citizen in maintaining peace and national security.
"We are all equal stakeholders in national security. We should try to resolve differences not only between countries, but amongst ourselves, whether in families or between states, regions, and communities. Violence is not the answer," he said.
His comments came days after India carried out Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This was followed by a joint declaration from India and Pakistan agreeing to cease all military actions by land, air, and sea.
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