TOPIC:The Night India Attacked Pakistan: The RSS Narrative

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The Night India Attacked Pakistan: The RSS Narrative

On the night of February 26, 2019, South Asia witnessed a dramatic escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan. In the early hours of that day, Indian Air Force jets crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and carried out what they described as a "pre-emptive airstrike" against the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist training camp in Balakot, located deep within Pakistani territory. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of Indo-Pak relations, but beyond the military action itself, there was a parallel ideological movement at play—led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

What Triggered the Strike?

The attack was India’s response to the Pulwama suicide bombing that had occurred just 12 days earlier, on February 14, 2019, in which more than 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed. India blamed JeM, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, for the attack. The Indian government claimed it had credible intelligence that more such attacks were being planned, and therefore conducted the airstrike to prevent them.

Events of the Night

According to Indian officials, around 3:30 AM, a group of Mirage 2000 fighter jets flew across the LoC and dropped bombs on what they claimed was a major terrorist camp in Balakot. India announced that a "large number" of terrorists had been killed, although Pakistan denied any casualties, saying the bombs only damaged trees and open land. Independent satellite images and international media outlets later questioned the scale of damage, leaving many details unclear.

RSS and the Nationalist Narrative

While the military action was undertaken by the Indian government, the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization that heavily influences the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), played a significant role in controlling and amplifying the narrative around the attack.

The RSS and its affiliated media networks immediately portrayed the airstrike as a “decisive, bold move” that demonstrated India’s strength and resolve under a nationalist government. They organized rallies, spread messages through social media, and encouraged patriotic fervor. Television debates, newspapers, and speeches were filled with slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and calls for unity against the enemy.

Impact on Society and Politics

The ideological push by RSS also had political implications. Nationalism became the core of the 2019 Indian general elections, where the BJP won with a strong majority. Many observers noted that the military action was politically capitalized, and critics accused the RSS and its allies of turning a national security crisis into a political opportunity.

At the same time, this wave of ultra-nationalism led to rising communal tensions within India. Muslims, especially those who questioned the government narrative, were branded as unpatriotic, increasing social polarization.

Conclusion

The night of India’s airstrike on Balakot was not just a military event—it became a symbol of modern-day nationalist politics. The RSS’s role in shaping the public narrative shows how ideology can influence how a nation perceives war, peace, and patriotism. In a nuclear-armed region like South Asia, such ideological narratives carry deep consequences, not only for diplomacy but also for internal unity.