Western Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar on Tuesday warned that Pakistan may attempt attacks similar to the Pahalgam terror strike in the future, even though it does not have the capacity to fight a full-scale war with India. He said that India is fully prepared to counter any such attempts and that the upcoming response, named Operation Sindoor 2.0, will be much deadlier than previous actions.

Addressing reporters, Lt Gen Katiyar said, “The action we will take this time will be deadlier than in the past. It will be more powerful. Operation Sindoor 2.0 has to be deadlier, and there is no doubt about it.” He added that Pakistan follows a policy of “bleed India through a thousand cuts”, trying small-scale attacks rather than confrontation.

The general recalled that Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack, had inflicted heavy damage on Pakistan’s posts and air bases. Despite this, Pakistan may still attempt similar attacks in the future. He emphasised that the Indian Army remains fully prepared to respond and thwart any hostile moves. He also praised the support received from the public, ex-servicemen, state authorities, and civil administration during the operation.

Lt Gen Katiyar made these remarks while addressing a rally of ex-servicemen to mark the 60th anniversary of the 1965 India-Pakistan war. He highlighted the bravery of soldiers during that war, noting that Pakistan underestimated the patriotism of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “With the help of the public, the Indian Army chased them away,” he said.

As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Indian Army’s Tiger Division organised events in Jammu to honour the sacrifice and valour of its soldiers. The ceremony began at Balidan Stambh with the hoisting of a 50-foot national flag, followed by a wreath-laying by Lt Gen Katiyar in tribute to fallen heroes. He also interacted with schoolchildren, NCC cadets, Scouts, and Guides, encouraging them to uphold patriotism and discipline.

A mega rally of more than 3,000 veterans, ‘Veer Naris,’ and ‘Veer Matas’ was held at Satwari Ground, attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The rally, themed “Shaurya, Samarpan aur Samadhan,” paid homage to 1965 war heroes and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the welfare and honour of its veterans. Lt Gen Katiyar concluded by saying that while Pakistan may continue its attempts to harm India through terrorist attacks, the Indian Army is fully alert and ready to counter any threats.