India Condemns Pakistan’s Use of Madrasa Students as ‘Second Line of Defence’ Amid Continued Aggression
The Government of India strongly condemned the provocative statement made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who, during a Parliamentary session, declared that madrasa students would serve as the country’s “second line of defence.” The remarks highlight Pakistan’s continued use of religious institutions for militarised purposes, raising grave concerns about the state’s links to extremist networks.
As cross-border hostilities intensify, Pakistan has for a second consecutive day launched drone and missile strikes under Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, targeting military and civilian infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. India’s air defence successfully intercepted several threats, including a high-speed missile aimed at a Punjab airbase. Drones struck hospitals and schools at bases in Srinagar, Awantipur, and Udhampur, further underscoring Pakistan’s reckless disregard for civilian safety.
In a calibrated and proportionate response, India conducted precision strikes on six Pakistani airbases — Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian — along with radar installations at Pasrur and Sialkot. Indian forces remain on high alert, prepared for any further escalation.
India also released images of debris from Pakistani kamikaze drones intercepted over Amritsar, identified as Byker YIHA III models. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both sides to pursue de-escalation, commending India’s “measured and responsible” posture.
India remains committed to regional peace but will respond firmly to all provocations.
