Jammu, October 14, 2025 : Western Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar on Tuesday warned that Operation Sindoor 2.0 — India’s planned response to cross‑border mischief — will be deadlier and more powerful than previous actions, while asserting that Pakistan lacks the capacity to wage a conventional war but may still attempt Pahalgam‑type strikes.
Speaking to reporters, Lt Gen Katiyar said the Army remains fully prepared to deal with any future attempts to destabilise the region and described Pakistan’s continued strategy as one aimed to “bleed India through a thousand cuts.”
“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.
On the prospect of repeat attacks similar to the Pahalgam incident, the Western Army commander cautioned that unless there is a fundamental change in Pakistan’s approach, such mischief may continue. He reiterated that Islamabad does not possess the capability or intent to take India to full‑scale war, preferring instead asymmetric tactics.
“They do 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, adding that India had already inflicted significant damage on Pakistani posts and infrastructure during the earlier Operation Sindoor.
Addressing a gathering of ex‑servicemen, he called for public — particularly veterans’ — support for armed forces’ preparedness and actions to foil cross‑border designs.
“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 told the audience.
Lt Gen Katiyar’s remarks underscore continued high alert along the border and signal a firm military posture that New Delhi says is aimed at deterring further hostile activity while preparing for stronger retaliatory options if required.
