Pakistan may try Pahalgam-style attacks again, warns Western Army commander; says 'Operation Sindoor 2.0 will be deadlier'

File Photo - Indian soldiers trek back after a search operation around Baisaran meadow in the aftermath of an attack in Pahalgam on April 23, 2025. (Photo by TAUSEEF MUSTAFA / AFP)

Asserting that Pakistan lacks the capacity to fight a full-fledged war with India, Western Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar on Tuesday warned that Islamabad may still attempt more terror strikes similar to the Pahalgam attack, and India’s response, he said, will be far more devastating.

Speaking to reporters, Lt Gen Katiyar said Pakistan continues to pursue its long-standing doctrine of “bleeding India through a thousand cuts” but the Indian Army is fully prepared to deal with such provocations.

“The action we will take this time will be deadlier than the past. It would be more powerful. Yes, you are very right. It (Operation Sindoor 2.0) has to be deadlier. There is no doubt about it,” he said, responding to a question on whether the next phase of Operation Sindoor would be fiercer than the first.

He added that while Pakistan may not have the courage to engage India directly, it will continue to resort to subversive activities across the border.

“It does not have the capacity to fight a war with us. They do not want to fight a war. It does mischief as per its policy of ‘bleed India through a thousand cuts’,” Lt Gen Katiyar said.

Recalling the scale of damage inflicted during Operation Sindoor this May, he said Pakistan suffered heavy losses, with several of its forward posts and air bases destroyed. “We have destroyed its posts and air bases, but it may again attempt something (Pahalgam-type attack). We have to remain prepared. We are fully prepared. I am confident the action this time will be deadlier than in the past,” he added.

Earlier, while addressing ex-servicemen, the Western Army Commander urged the veteran community to remain vigilant and supportive of national security efforts. “Pakistan may try to attack again like it did in Pahalgam. They do not have the courage to face us directly. Pakistan will not desist from its designs. But the Indian Army is ready to foil it. For that we need support from the people, particularly veterans. We are hopeful that veterans will support us,” he said.

Lt Gen Katiyar’s strong warning comes against the backdrop of provocative statements from Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who recently claimed that the chances of war with India were “very real.” Asif, in a speech laced with religious rhetoric, said Pakistan’s “faith and resolve” would guide it through any confrontation.