Maulana Mahmood Madani: Yes, the reply has been given. Operation Sindoor was a strong and appropriate response.
Do you see all Indians, regardless of religion or caste, backing the government’s offensive?
Maulana Mahmood Madani: India is our country. It is our responsibility to protect it and be ready to make every sacrifice for it. We stand with our Army in every way. Being our country, it is a natural duty on our part to be ever ready to defend it, and the entire Muslim community is standing with the government.
In these testing times, what message would you like to give to the masses?
Maulana Mahmood Madani: We are praying that the situation does not deteriorate. There could be a grim situation ahead, but people should not get down to finger-pointing. My message to the public is to stay strong and united. There may be more difficulties ahead, but there should be no weeping or complaining. If hardships come, we will endure them collectively. The people of Bharat will stand with their Army, with courage and determination. With the grace of Allah, the people should and will back the forces wholeheartedly.
How do you see the response given by India under ‘Operation Sindoor’? Do you think the objective of the mission has been achieved?
Maulana Mahmood Madani: Their cowardice has been replied to forcefully. Our armed forces have proven that we are capable of retaliating, and our defence forces are equipped with the power to hit back. We did not start the matter. They started it like cowards and complain later about the pounding that they suffer in response.
As for the objective being achieved, I can't say definitively. I would only say that we should not move towards war.
Where do you see the current India-Pakistan tension heading?
Maulana Mahmood Madani: I think escalating the tension would not be in our favour. We should pull out of a war-like situation. I agree that the fight against terror is expected to be a long-term effort. But right now, I would not recommend a war. I believe that if they are sensible enough, then we should settle the matter through discussion. If they understand, then it is okay; if they don’t, then what else can be done? But war should not happen.
