Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Naravane has highlighted the harsh realities of war, dismissing romanticised portrayals of conflict, during an address at an event in Pune on Sunday.
Speaking at a programme organised by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India, Naravane stated, “War is not romantic. It is not your Bollywood movie. It is very serious business. War or violence should be the last thing we should resort to, which is why our Prime Minister said this is not an era of war. Although war will be forced upon us by unwise people, we should not cheer for it.”
The former Army chief stressed that, while soldiers are prepared to take up arms if ordered, diplomacy should always be the first choice. “As a military man, if ordered, I will go to war, but that will not be my first choice,” he said. “We are all equal stakeholders in national security. We should try to resolve differences not only between countries but also amongst ourselves, whether in families or between states, regions, and communities. Violence is not the answer.”
Also read: Did India lose Rafale in Operation Sindoor? Military responds
Naravane highlighted the profound psychological impact of conflict, particularly on civilians living near the border, noting that many still suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“For those who have lost their loved ones, that trauma will be carried through generations. There’s also something called PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). People who have seen gruesome scenes wake up sweating even after 20 years and need psychiatric care,” he explained.
The remarks come in the wake of India’s recent Operation Sindoor on May 6-7, which destroyed seven terror infrastructure camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. Both nations have since agreed to a ceasefire, announcing an understanding to halt hostilities on land, air, and sea.
Follow us
