Jammu, Oct 14: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Western Command, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar Tuesday cautioned that Pakistan might attempt a Pahalgam-like attack again in pursuance of its policy of “bleed India with a thousand cuts.”
“India has inflicted heavy damage to Pakistan in Operation Sindoor. But Pakistan will not change its course. Therefore, we will have to remain prepared and we are. The Indian Army is fully ready to take on Pakistan, in case of any mischief. Mind it, this time our response, our action will be ‘deadlier than the Operation Sindoor.’ It has to be deadlier,” he asserted.
Lt Gen Katiyar was responding to media queries on the sidelines of a mega ex-servicemen rally and other events organised at Satwari Ground, Jammu by the Tiger Division, to mark the diamond jubilee of Indian victory in 1965 war.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was the chief guest in the rally. In his address, he paid heartfelt homage to the 1965 war veterans, acknowledging their selfless service and the invaluable contribution of their families to the nation’s defence and progress.
In response to a query why he believed that Pakistan would again resort to Pahalgam-like attack, the Western Army Commander
Lt Gen Katiyar pointed out that the Indian Armed forces got full cooperation of the J&K administration, civilians and the veterans like elsewhere in the country, during ‘Operation Sindoor’.
“It was this whole-hearted, unflinching support that we got such a resounding success in ‘Operation Sindoor’, launched to avenge Pak-sponsored dastardly terrorist attack at Pahalgam. Pakistan was badly defeated by us but we believe that it would bring no change in its character. It would again try to attack India. Since it does not have the ability and courage to face India directly, it will again attempt a terrorist-attack like Pahalgam,” he warned.
The Western Army Commander stated that it was necessary to remain alert and prepared to meet any eventuality. Exuding confidence of full support of veterans in every situation, he reaffirmed that the Indian Army was fully geared up to defeat any such nefarious design of Pakistan with its full might.
The rally was a part of a series of commemorative events, marking the diamond jubilee celebration, being organised by the Indian Army’s Tiger Division in Jammu to honour the extraordinary courage, valour and sacrifice of India’s brave soldiers who defended the nation with unmatched resolve.
The ex-servicemen rally was in honour of the veterans and war heroes who formed the backbone of the Army’s glorious legacy.
The rally themed, “Shaurya, Samarpan Aur Samadhaan” (Valour, Dedication and Resolution) witnessed the participation of over 3,000 ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and Veer Matas from across the Jammu region.
Earlier the ceremony on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, commenced at Balidan Stambh with the hoisting of a majestic 50-feet-high national flag, symbolising the nation’s unity, pride and everlasting gratitude to its heroes.
Thereafter Lt Gen Katiyar laid a wreath of honour, paying solemn tribute to the bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces and Police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
The Army Commander also interacted with school children, NCC cadets, scouts and guides, encouraging them to emulate the ideals of patriotism, discipline, and service to the nation.
