As the joint press conference by Director General of Military Operations, Lt Gen Ranbir singh and ministry of external affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup made the announcement that Indian Army had in fact conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control on Wednesday late night, based on specific intelligence input of terror groups ready to infiltrate into India and carry out terror attacks, Indian social media, as well as mainstream news outlets, went into overdrive.
For a few days, a possible Special Forces operation had been talked about in WhatsApp groups and a digital publication even had done a piece (which now many say wasn't that "premature") on strikes across the LoC.
Sources said strikes on terror launch pads lasted from 12.30 am to 4.30 and the location was 500 metres-2km across, the soldiers were helidropped and Indian side suffered no casualties.
#WATCH: DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh says "Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC last night" pic.twitter.com/UXjVEvyLwF
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
It has been a matter of serious concern that there has been many infiltration bids by terrorists at LoC: DGMO pic.twitter.com/H5lpjYduG6
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
This is reflected in the terror attacks in Poonch and Uri on 11th and 18th September resp: DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh pic.twitter.com/tIn5XN7EfK
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
Despite our persistent urging to Pak to not allow territory under its control to not be used for terrorist activities nothing was done: DGMO
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads on the LoC, significant casualties have been caused: DGMO
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
Indian DGMO said he communicated his concerns to his Pakistan counterpart.
I spoke to the Pak DGMO, shared our concerns and told him that we conducted surgical strikes last night: DGMO pic.twitter.com/s0ntc1Q5DX
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
The motive of this operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into our territory: DGMO
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
#FLASH No Indian casualties during surgical strikes that were carried out in Pak territory last night by the Indian Army
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
As the press conference went on, Indian news and social media reacted with immediate and expected intoxication.
DGMO Lt Gen Ranbit Singh with MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup. [Photo: Agencies] |
While the routine briefings were being announced on live television, the political fraternity sounded a nationalist "Yippie" in unison.
#FLASH President, Vice President, Former PM Manmohan Singh, J&K Governor, CM J&K briefed on the surgical strikes by the Indian Army.
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
Finally! #IndiaStrikesPak pic.twitter.com/UCaXK6tGEx
— India Today (@IndiaToday) September 29, 2016
Statement by DGMO #IndianArmy on 29 Sep 16 pic.twitter.com/ckYOApWcHQ
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 29, 2016
One of the first to go Bharat Mata ki jai was obviously Arvind Kejriwal.
भारत माता की जय। पूरा देश भारतीय सेना के साथ है
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 29, 2016
However, even the Congress wasn't too far behind as it kept aside its differences with the Narendra Modi government and issued a nationalist and suitably patriotic statement.
भारतीय सेना की वीरता को सलाम pic.twitter.com/bw2RZlgmOl
— INC India (@INCIndia) September 29, 2016
Congress president Sonia Gandhi, whose eerie silence in the wake of Uri attack had got many tongues wagging, put out a "mature" statement.
Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi's statement on anti-terror operation by Indian Army pic.twitter.com/Pf3WXH9i9s
— INC India (@INCIndia) September 29, 2016
The clamour to sound more patriotic than thou kept the Congress leaders on their toes, er finger tips.
INC wholeheartedly supports the surgical strike on terror pads in POK by Indian Army. Salute the valour of our armed forces.
— Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) September 29, 2016
We congratulate the Indian army for undertaking surgical strikes on terror launch pads.We stand completely behind our Armed Forces
— Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) September 29, 2016
A model of concision. Statement explains rationale clearly, avoids bragging. Pak informed. MEA should brief diplomatic corps on same lines. https://t.co/R5vLTiW3zz
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 29, 2016
If our army has taken a decision, the whole nation will support them: UP Congress President Raj Babbar pic.twitter.com/LKya5oZmKw
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
But obviously, the biggest and the loudest soundbytes were coming, yes, in addition to Times Now and other news channels, from the BJP camp. No less than the BJP national secretary, Amit Shah, "congratulated" Prime Minister Narendra Modi in as many words. [Insert 56-inch chest-thumping after every word, please.]
I congratulate Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi and Indian Army for surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016
Indian Army has inflicted heavy damage on terrorists, without any casualty, reaffirms Army's valour and commitment to nation's security.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016
It is for the first time, in this frontal fight against terrorism, India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi is feeling secure.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016
I again salute the valour of Indian Army for giving befitting reply to those attacking innocent Indians & ensuring zero tolerance on terror.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 29, 2016
Notes of denial were sounded from Islamabad, with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif issuing a whiny and quite delusional "condemnation" of India's "unprovoked and naked aggression".
Pak PM Sharif: Strongly condemned the unprovoked & naked aggression of Indian forces resulting in martyrdom of two Pak soldiers along LoC
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations says Indian offensive carried out in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel & Lipa sectors, on Pak's side of LoC
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 29, 2016
Ditto was said by Pakistan defence minister Khawaja M Asif, and you nod your head in realisation that how similarly are the official statemnets prepared in these two quasi-warring nations.
Updates on unprovoked & naked aggression of Indian forces that took place in the wee hours of last night... pic.twitter.com/KfgOf7MvKT
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) September 29, 2016
Good job, Indian Army.
Surgical strikes by Indian Army across LoC. [Photo: Reuters] |
What's nationalism if not in capslock?
INDIAN ARMY CARRIES OUT SURGICAL STRIKES ACROSS LINE OF CONTROL.DESTROYS TERRORIST CAMPS & INFRASTRUCTURE.KILLS TERRORISTS & SUPPORTERS:DGMO
— GAURAV C SAWANT (@gauravcsawant) September 29, 2016
Clearly @PMOIndia has changed the rules of the game. Carry out strikes and own it. When Durand Line hots up. Pakistan cant fight on 2 fronts
— GAURAV C SAWANT (@gauravcsawant) September 29, 2016
अत्याचार सहन करने का कुफल यही होता है पौरुष का आतंक मनुज कोमल होकर खोता है।क्षमा शोभती उस भुजंग को जिसके पास गरल हो
— GAURAV C SAWANT (@gauravcsawant) September 29, 2016
6 terror camps destroyed. Surgical strike. Short distance. 3 km penetration. destroyed camps, killed terrorists & safe return. @IndiaToday
— GAURAV C SAWANT (@gauravcsawant) September 29, 2016
And memes, gifs, graphics?
Viral on WhatsApp. Career options in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/8QvgrKDn0n
— Rahul Kanwal (@rahulkanwal) September 29, 2016
Army Chief calls key veterans for an emergency briefing so that they can shape the narrative while speaking on TV & writing articles.
— Rahul Kanwal (@rahulkanwal) September 29, 2016
Musically nationalistic? Yes.
JAI HIND !
— ashabhosle (@ashabhosle) September 29, 2016
Indian Army has video proof of the surgical strike carried out on Pak soil. Also drones recorded footage. Govt mulling making images public.
— Rahul Kanwal (@rahulkanwal) September 29, 2016
Newsy nationalism.
"I have informed the Pakistan DGMO about the surgical strike launched at a terror pad in POK": big breaking news. INDIA' surgical strikes
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) September 29, 2016
"Massive casualties inflicted across the line of control. Forces went at least 2 kilometres across " : senior govt sources
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) September 29, 2016
Nationalism of the future tense, involving stuff that actually happens when surgical strikes, well, go on.
All border villages in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab are being evacuated as a precautionary measure to avoid escalation in firing from Pakistan
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) September 29, 2016
"Pakistan will deny surgical strikes by India to look for facesaver" say sources "but Forces have Evidence, will release when appropriate"
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) September 29, 2016
"Mass anger after #Uriattacks was like massive anger after Nirbhaya rape" says one source. "It called for Action, not diplomatic tinkering"
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) September 29, 2016
Critical nationalism of the strategic fence-sitting kind, empowered by Google Maps and grey matter.
May have got this wrong, but are these the locations where ISPR reported firing? (https://t.co/PwHIYo4LYu) pic.twitter.com/rDwtkbwiIm
— Shashank Joshi (@shashj) September 29, 2016
Novelty here isn’t the fact that India crossed the border, but that it’s announced it with so much fanfare. Guarantees a Pakistani response.
— Shashank Joshi (@shashj) September 29, 2016
When India says significant casualties to "the terrorists and those who are trying to support them", assume latter must be #Pakistan Army.
— Myra MacDonald (@myraemacdonald) September 29, 2016
Connecting-the-dots nationalism.
India's real revenge on #Pakistan will likely be carried out inside Pak by Pakistanis. Hints in PM's Kozhikode speech. #ModiPunishesPakistan
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) September 29, 2016
As new breaks of Indian Army's surgical strikes in PoK, people arnd me turning on news on mobile, saying, "Dil khush kar diya. Ghuske mara"
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) September 29, 2016
Childish to believe that with gents like Modi and Doval in charge, there won't be retaliation :-)SAARC and surgical strikes just trailers
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) September 29, 2016Eeducational nationalism.
Great strike by Army!right response to a terrorist bully Pak!high moral stand by India for last 69 years have failed!@narendramodi RT
— Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) September 29, 2016
Oh, ugh, the boring, please-don't-overdo-it, fact-check-before-you-scream, highly suspicious nationalism.
Hype is created here in media. Hopefully, leadership on both sides is more mature. https://t.co/Sc8ajQUpjc
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 29, 2016
In the bad old days, journalists used to ask to see some evidence of claims at briefings. So glad we’re done with that
— Praveen Swami (@praveenswami) September 29, 2016
Crossventilating nationalism.
He is waiting 4 confirmation from ISI.. #ModiPunishesPak https://t.co/BmX6JkZjqc
— Anshul Agarwal (@AnshulAgarwal4) September 29, 2016
#SurgicalStrike will go down in history as India's boldest act against Pak sponsored terror. Never crossed LOC earlier#ModiPunishesPak
— Manak Gupta (@manakgupta) September 29, 2016
All ex General,Colone,Major etc coming on Arnab's debate also congratulating Arnab.. Nation is indebted to his service..:P #ModiPunishesPak
— Paresh Rawal (@Babu_Bhaiyaa) September 29, 2016
Festive offer nationalism.
Dear Pak terrorists, you don't need to cross LOC for getting killed. Army has started home delivery. Special festive offer#ModiPunishesPak
— ॐ प्रज्ञा भूषण ॐ Adv (@pragya_bhushan) September 29, 2016
Aap ki adalat nationalism.
Modi has walked the Talk #ModiPunishesPak pic.twitter.com/9hbt1NGnJ6
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) September 29, 2016
Blame Manmohan nationalism.
Feeling nostalgic at Nawaz Sharief saying 'don't mistake our restraint for weakness'. Feels like good old Maunmohan days! #ModiPunishesPak
— Shefali Vaidya (@ShefVaidya) September 29, 2016
India should speak in a language Pak understands, said @narendramodi years go. And he has done just that. #ModiPunishesPak
— Reshmi Dasgupta (@ReshmiDG) September 29, 2016
Unmentionable, non-nationalistic, disgustingly clever what-the-hell.
4/ Then there's the other way: you jump the cat by stealth, do the job. Good so far. Then you go apeshit with your macho complex, the all...
— The Last Caveman (@CarDroidusMax) September 29, 2016
5/ ...encompassing urge to whip out your member and show it to the whole world, just in case you had insecurities in that department.
— The Last Caveman (@CarDroidusMax) September 29, 2016
Oh, and here's the complete lowdown on the Indian Army op.