章節 9: Riot - III
As aides moved quickly, preparing for the day's tasks, Rohan skimmed through the latest intelligence reports that had landed on his desk.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. Neeraj Kumar stepped into the room, holding a stack of documents.
"Good morning, Prime Minister," Neeraj said, his tone heavy. "There's a new update on the situation in Punjab. It seemed we had the riots under control, but it's flared up again. We've received reports of fresh clashes between refugees and locals in several districts. On top of that, extremist groups are gaining more ground, and resource shortages in the camps are making the situation even worse."
Rohan closed the folder in front of him, his brow furrowing as he absorbed Neeraj's words.
The refugee crisis had been a powder keg from the start, and it was no surprise that it was boiling over again.
His mind went back to the temporary peace they had managed to achieve in Punjab just days ago.
It was too fragile, too thin solution over the deep-rooted problem that Partition had unleashed.
"We need to prevent this from spreading any further," Rohan said. "Get the senior officials in here immediately. We can't afford to let this escalate again."
Half hour later, the conference room was full.
Ministers and top officials filled the seats around the long table, their faces drawn with fatigue and worry.
The Home Minister, V.K. Krishna Menon, sat closest to Rohan, his fingers tapping nervously against the wood as they waited for the last of the attendees to arrive.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Rohan began, scanning the room. "The situation in Punjab has taken another turn for the worse. We managed to control it briefly, but the riots have flared up again. Refugees and locals are clashing, and our supplies in the camps are running dangerously low. I need to hear from each of you. What are we doing to stop this from spiraling further?"
Menon spoke first, his voice edged with frustration. "Prime Minister, our forces on the ground have managed to contain some of the worst violence, but the situation is volatile. Small extremist groups are stoking the fires, targeting both the refugee camps and local villages. We've been deploying reinforcements, but it's becoming clear that we don't have enough manpower to cover every hotspot."
Rohan looked over at Amar Singh, the Director General of Police. His usually calm demeanor was strained. "What's the current situation in the camps?" Rohan asked.
Amar Singh shook his head slightly, his voice low. "The camps are under severe pressure. We're facing shortages of food, medical supplies, and even basic sanitation. We've had outbreaks of disease, which are only making things worse. Our teams are doing everything they can, but without more resources, we're fighting a losing battle."
Rohan leaned forward, his fingers interlaced as he considered their words. "We need immediate reinforcements in Punjab, and I want secure zones established around the refugee camps. Make sure that both refugees and locals are protected from any further violence. Neeraj, coordinate with international organizations for additional humanitarian aid. We need food and medicine as soon as possible."
Menon added. "I'll inform the military commanders to divert troops from other areas to reinforce Punjab. We'll prioritize establishing secure zones and increasing patrols in the most affected areas."
As the meeting ended and officials filed out, Rohan's thoughts shifted to another crisis Kashmir.
Rohan soon entered the war room with a sense of urgency.
He already knew the stakes, knew what would come.
History was repeating itself, but this time, he had the advantage of foresight.
He had lived in 2024, read countless accounts of the Kashmir conflict.
Pakistan would attack, it was only a matter of time, and he was determined to be ready for it.
Major General Karan Singh and IB Chief Rajeev Sharma were waiting for him around the large table covered with maps of Kashmir.
Red markers indicated current troop deployments and areas of concern, with key strategic points like Srinagar, Baramulla, and Uri standing out.
"Prime Minister," General Singh began as Rohan took his seat, "our forces are deploying into Kashmir steadily. We've moved roughly 18,000 troops into the region. The 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions are positioned in and around Srinagar, securing the main city and the southern approaches. These units are some of our most seasoned soldiers, and their presence is stabilizing the situation on the ground."
Rohan nodded.
The troops were where they needed to be, but it wasn't enough.
He knew that within weeks, Pakistan would move beyond small skirmishes, and tribal forces would invade, backed by Pakistan's military.
This moment of calm was an illusion.
"And how many battalions do we have stationed in Baramulla and Uri?" Rohan asked, his voice measured but focused.
He already knew the answer but wanted confirmation.
"Three battalions have been deployed in Baramulla and another three in Uri. These are strategic points that protect the northern regions and the main routes into the valley," General Singh explained. "We've also reinforced them with 12-pounder field guns and 3.7-inch mountain howitzers to provide artillery support. But the terrain is difficult, and maintaining these positions will become harder as winter approaches."
Rohan leaned forward, his fingers tracing the mountain passes and valleys on the map. "What about Zoji La? If we lose that pass, our forces in the north will be cut off."
"We have one battalion securing Zoji La with additional artillery units. We're fortifying the positions there, but it's slow going," Singh replied, his tone cautious. "We've prioritized protecting Srinagar and the main routes, but we'll need more resources to maintain a strong presence at the pass."
Rohan's mind was racing.
The memories of the future were clear.
The attack from Pakistan-backed forces would come, and if India wasn't prepared, the situation could turn into a drawn-out conflict.
He couldn't let that happen.
India needed to strike back hard when the time came, and more importantly, they needed to be prepared to take back even more territory.
"They will attack," Rohan said firmly, cutting through the silence in the room.
General Singh and Rajeev Sharma exchanged glances.
"Prime Minister, our intelligence suggests that they're still weighing their options. The tribal forces are gathering, yes, but they haven't fully committed," Rajeev Sharma said cautiously.
"They will commit," Rohan repeated, his voice steady. "Pakistan is testing our defenses now, but they're preparing for a full-scale assault. It won't just be tribal forces. Pakistan will support them with weapons and logistics. We need to prepare for that, not just hold the line."
General Singh hesitated. "Are you suggesting we prepare for an offensive, sir?"
Rohan nodded. "Exactly. We can't wait for them to attack and then just defend. We need to be ready to push back, to reclaim more territory when they move. Baramulla, Uri, and Zoji La are key, but we need to prepare for a larger conflict. Mobilize more artillery 25-pounder field guns and additional 3.7-inch howitzers and secure air support. I want Spitfires moved from Delhi to Srinagar. We need to control the air."
General Singh's eyes widened slightly at the boldness of Rohan's plan. "That's a significant escalation, Prime Minister. If Pakistan sees us preparing for an offensive, it could provoke them into moving faster."
"They will move regardless," Rohan replied, his voice hard. "We need to act like we're only defending, but be prepared to strike hard when the moment comes. Fortify Zoji La and the surrounding areas before the winter snow cuts off the passes. If we lose those routes, we lose the north. And when Pakistan attacks, we use that as a justification to reclaim more territory. We must show them that India is not just here to defend; we're here to win."
General Singh paused for a moment, then nodded. "Understood, Prime Minister. I'll mobilize additional troops and artillery to Zoji La and Baramulla. I'll also move forward with preparing the 25-pounders and coordinating air support with the Air Force. We'll secure those passes and be ready for any escalation."
Rajeev Sharma added, "I'll continue monitoring Pakistan's communications, Prime Minister. We're watching their movements closely. If they begin to mobilize on a larger scale, we'll know. But we'll keep the back-channel talks open as well, in case there's room for diplomacy."
Rohan stood up, walking toward the large map, his gaze fixed on Kashmir.
He knew what was coming. In a matter of weeks, the skirmishes would escalate into full-blown war.
But this time, India wouldn't just hold the line. They would strike back, take control of more territory, and show Pakistan and the world that they would not be bullied or divided.
"Fortify our positions," Rohan said, turning back to General Singh. "And when the attack comes, we push forward. Not one step back."
General Singh saluted. "We'll be ready, Prime Minister. India will be ready."
As the meeting concluded and the military commanders left to carry out their orders,
Rohan remained behind, staring at the map. He had been through this before but his time, he had the chance to change it.
He knew exactly what Pakistan would do, and he would ensure that India came out on top.
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