The Pahalgam massacre on April 22, where 26 civilians were slain, ignited India’s retaliatory surge called Operation Sindoor, with missile strikes on terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Now, defence and political leaders are warning that a second, stronger phase may follow if Pakistan “dares to act” especially near strategic zones like Sir Creek. 

The message is pointed: India will not again show the same restraint as before. The column argues that this shift is born of decades of perceived impunity by sponsors of terror and a sense that incremental retaliations are insufficient. Pakistan is painted as having rebuilt its global ties and military posture under General Asim Munir, setting the stage for another possible face-off. 

What the author sees is a turning point where India, in effect, draws a firmer red line. The stakes now are higher: future terror acts may prompt broader military operations, possibly altering geography and norms of engagement. The question looming is whether Pakistan, under internal and external constraints, will dare the retaliation India warns against.