Two things become clear when you read this book on Indian armed forces' operations.
One, Kashmir, or to be more specific, POK, continues to be the white elephant that has drained India's resources in terms of wealth and manpower over the years.
Two, our security forces have been engaged in and successful at carrying out Zero Dark Thirty type of operations since ages.
Aroor and Singh present several stories of bravery and sacrifice from the battle frontlines, encompassing all three divisions of the armed forces: army, navy and airforce. These are stories that needed to be told, because, with the exception of Uri and Shershaah, not many make it to mainstream media, save a tiny newspaper report or a posthumous gallantry award.
From these stories one can get an idea as to the mindset of the soldiers who went into combat knowing fully well that the price to be paid was their lives. One can glean this from some of the memorable quotes attributed to the soldiers themselves:
'...he was married to the adrenaline of combat.' (on why a certain soldier took risks in combat)
'Only soldiers who have bled together in combat will understand that.' (on what it is to be injured in combat)
'Lead your life. Don't let life lead you.' (advice given to a soldier by his father while enlisting)
One hopes that the powers that be take timely affirmative steps to address the threat posed by hostile neighbours that we are surrounded by so as to mitigate the loss of lives of our brave soldiers. In addition they also need to look at the threat that is already within the country, thanks to the lax border restrictions and indifferent deportation strategies.
We also live in hope that attacks are prevented rather than fire fought, and if that calls for more surgical strikes, then so be it. Especially so because the perpetrators of some of the major attacks are safely ensconced in havens across the border.
That this book has spawned a second volume of further stories of bravery and sacrifice is testimony to this ongoing threat, which in today's world is covert and subversive.
We wish our armed forces health and safety and all the success in countering the same.
Picture source:
https://www.amazon.in/Indias-Most-Fearless-Stories-Military/dp/0143440446/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
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