Islamabad/New Delhi (Web Desk): After maintaining silence for a prolonged period regarding the casualties suffered during India’s “Operation Sundown,” the Indian government has now decided to honor the military personnel whose deaths were previously unacknowledged. This shift comes amid internal pressure and the surfacing of undeniable facts.
Security sources reveal that the Indian government initially kept the losses secret to avoid public backlash and international embarrassment. However, it has now been decided to award more than 100 soldiers who died during the operation, including fighter pilots, air defense operators, and personnel from various brigades.
Credible reports suggest that India suffered over 250 fatalities along the Line of Control (LoC) alone. The list of those to be honored includes seven Indian Air Force officers, five soldiers from the 10th Infantry Brigade, nine personnel from the 93rd Brigade Headquarters, three pilots of Rafale aircraft, five operators of the S-400 defense system, and dozens more from Udhampur Airbase and other units.
Security analysts criticize India’s initial refusal to acknowledge these losses, calling it an unusual and unprofessional approach that disregarded the sacrifices of its own armed forces. There are also reports that families of the deceased were pressured to remain silent on social media.
International media reports indicate that following effective operations by Pakistan in areas like Pathankot, Udhampur, and Rajouri, India was compelled to consider a ceasefire. Some Indian military and diplomatic sources have unofficially admitted these casualties.
It is noteworthy that in 2019, India awarded Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman the “Vir Chakra” despite his aircraft being shot down, reflecting how honors can sometimes serve as symbols of national pride regardless of mission outcomes.
Experts suggest that the Modi government’s recent move to award these fallen soldiers is an attempt to ease internal pressure while covering up the earlier silence. Analysts believe this development highlights the inevitability of wartime realities coming to light sooner or later.