“Sindoor” & India’s Anti-Pak Operation Terrorism!

Paradoxically, in a common person’s understanding, the word “Operation” is generally linked with medical surgery. Thus, if one talks of operation-hand, it is naturally linked with surgical treatment of the hand. Similarly, operation-leg, operation-heart, operation-head and so forth are linked with medical treatment of the respective parts via surgery. In other words, the word-operation in ordinary parlance is associated with a medical move to cure the ailing person. It is barely linked with any aggressive move against any person, group, regional domain for inflicting any punishment and/or revenge. Of course, the situation was different in early times when criminals were punished by amputating a part of their body. But please note, then the term “operation” was not labelled with that part. 

The word operation draws pictures of certain surgical instruments as understood by common persons- scissors, knives, stitches, bandages and so forth. In this context, say if operation is linked with anything, any human organ or anything symbolic of some practice, these instruments are likely to pass through one’s mind. For instance, if one talked of operation-tie, a part of male suit, symbolically it is likely to be linked with it being cut and/or stitched. The same may be said operation-scarf, operation-hijab (used by Muslim women), operation-veil, operation-cap, operation-hat, operation-turban and so forth. One may go further to cosmetics, operation-lipstick and other things, which implies either abundant use of the same, by promoting them or cutting down drastically on their usage. 

Interestingly, this can apparently also apply to places where usage of headcover by Muslim girls is strongly opposed to the stage of its usage not being permitted, labelling the same as Operation-hijab. In fact, in a few professions, beards, turbans, some styles of dress, etc. are not permitted. One may perhaps cite numerous such examples to draw attention to how linkage of the word – Operation – can be interpreted along negative lines and may not have positive impact on those closely linked with the same. As for instance, Operation-Hijab interpreted as opposing its usage is least likely to be welcomed by its users. 

Against this backdrop, some importance needs to be given to India-Pakistan war having been labelled as “Operation Sindoor” by Indian authorities. It needs to be considered in context of religious, cultural and ethical importance given to it by married couples. It is the red vermillion used by married Hindu women in parting of their hair. It may be noted while people in South Asia are extremely familiar with its importance along religious and cultural lines, the same cannot be said about those living in other parts. It is possible, their understanding of the term Operation Sindoor may be (God Forbid) an Operation targeting it. One may draw attention to numerous programs labelled as Operation Tsunami. The majority are understood as combatting natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, associated with Tsunami. Simply speaking, whether in context of medical terminology, politico-social or any other, the word operation tends to be used to target ailments/problems related to whatever it is linked it with together with usage of that which are needed- whether surgical knives, weapons or whatever. 

It is not difficult to link operation-arm, with a cut at the needed place, blood and gloved hands of surgeons working on it. Likewise, when operation-hijab is used, the immediate impression is that of being cut to be discarded. Operation-tsunami implies combatting various disasters. As suggested, usage of word – Operation- implies combatting with problems associated at the very place, it is linked with. If it is in arm, it is surgical cuts there. 

Without using words which, against the backdrop of what has been deliberated upon in preceding paras, would be extremely unethical and inappropriate, one can only suggest reconsideration of label accorded to India-Pak war. Since, the subject is India’s action against terrorism, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to label it as Operation Terrorism? Or names of terrorist organizations, India has targeted may be used, Operation Lashkar-e-Taiba, etc. 

Yes, certainly, a few women were widowed by Pahalgam-tragedy (April 22), because of terrorists which according to India were Pakistanis. This further supports the need to perhaps view India’s stand (war) against Pakistan as Operation Terrorism.

Give a thought, years later, the term used by India for its war with Pakistan shall certainly be a subject of study by quite a few researchers. They are likely to engage in comparative analysis linked not just on the war, its timing, global response and the term used by India to define it. Questions, speculations together with intense criticism shall definitely be part of their study. On finding religious as well as social importance held for vermillion, fiery debates may lead to deliberation on its linkage in Hindi with Operation against Pakistan. Considering the repeated emphasis given by power holders to its usage against Pakistan, elementarily it may not be understood in future as desired. Besides, even in the present era, its significance should probably be limited to the one that it holds culturally, socially and as per matrimonial norms. Extending its usage beyond these may be views as equivalent to crossing the Lakshman Rekha (a line/rule that must not be broken). Added to this is the hype raised about seven delegations send to different countries to convince them about the importance of Operation linked with vermillion against terrorism supported by Pakistan, as claimed by India. Linking Operation with terrorism is perfectly fine but why with vermillion? Why extend latter’s importance/usage to one’s enemy over war against terrorism? What appears to have political importance at present because of its “emotional” as well as religious value may not prevail for too long once more heated debates hit headlines about nature of its association with “Operation” against Pakistan!

Nilofar Suhrawardy is a senior journalist and writer with specialization in communication studies and nuclear diplomacy. She has come out with several books. These include:– Modi’s Victory, A Lesson for the Congress…? (2019); Arab Spring, Not Just a Mirage! (2019), Image and Substance, Modi’s First Year in Office (2015) and Ayodhya Without the Communal Stamp, In the Name of Indian Secularism (2006).