'The Real Enemy Is Within': Wing Commander Praful Bakshi On Espionage, Pakistan's Tactics And India's Response; VIDEO

Afrida Rahman Ali, Executive Editor of The Free Press Journal, speaks to Wing Commander (Retd.) Praful Bakshi, decorated Indian Air Force veteran and noted defence analyst, on the disturbing rise of internal espionage networks, Pakistan’s sustained efforts to destabilize India, and how Operation Sindoor is reshaping our strategic posture.

Q&A WITH WING COMMANDER PRAFUL BAKSHI

Afrida Rahman Ali: You may take down the enemy at the border, but what do we do about the enemy within? How serious is this internal threat today?

Wing Commander Bakshi: This internal threat is as old as warfare itself. In ancient India, we had “Vishkanyas” deployed to sabotage kings. Today, it’s honey-traps, ideological manipulation, and blackmail. The real shame is that citizens from within our own country are aiding the enemy. This betrayal is not new — but it's far more dangerous now because of technology.

Afrida: We are witnessing an alleged espionage network linked to Pakistani handlers, with young Indians being lured into it. How did this go undetected for so long?

Bakshi: Because the Armed Forces are a byproduct of the society they serve. We are not Israel or China — we are a democracy. That’s both our strength and our Achilles' heel. Our intelligence network, bound by democratic processes and societal sensitivities, faces limitations that other nations bypass easily. When religion, ideology, and political appeasement enter intelligence matters, it slows down response time and weakens preventive action.

Afrida: Are you saying the fault lines in Indian society are being exploited by Pakistan?

Bakshi: Absolutely. India was born out of a religious divide, and Pakistan has weaponized that fact. They continue to exploit every crack — be it communal, linguistic, or political. What’s worse, our democratic systems sometimes hold us back from taking firm, preventive measures. Unlike authoritarian states, our hands are often tied by vote-bank politics and legal constraints.

Afrida: Then how do we counter this asymmetric threat? Do we need to restructure our intelligence framework?

Bakshi: Coordination is key. Today, you have military intelligence, RAW, IB, police intelligence — all working in silos. In such a setup, crucial data often gets delayed or diluted. What we need is a unified command — especially in conflict zones like Kashmir. This doesn’t mean military rule, but controlled, strategic consolidation for rapid response.

Afrida: You also mentioned Operation Sindoor. How do you assess its effectiveness?

Bakshi: Operation Sindoor has demonstrated that India will no longer remain passive. The use of precision-guided missiles like BrahMos, Hammer, and Meteor, without even crossing the border, shows how far we've come. No civilian zones were hit. Military targets were neutralized with surgical accuracy. It reflects a shift — from reactive defence to proactive neutralization.

Afrida: Did India really strike deep into Pakistani territory? Some reports claim bases like Sargodha and Noor Khan were targeted.

Bakshi: Based on my sources, yes. Strikes near Sargodha and Kirana Hill reportedly caused panic, even near nuclear depots. Pakistan feared a radiation leak, and Egypt had to send a boron load to decontaminate. Their army chief went into hiding. It was only after these precise, deep strikes that Pakistan pleaded for a ceasefire. So yes, these weren’t symbolic actions — they were decisive blows.

Afrida: In your view, what role does the Pakistan Army really play in terrorism?

Bakshi: The Pakistan Army is not just a bystander — it is the architect of terror. It controls 85% of Pakistan’s commercial activities and needs instability to retain that grip. Terrorism is their tool to justify power and keep civilian governments weak. They fund, train, and arm the very groups we are fighting against. So yes, if we’re serious about ending terrorism, the Pakistan Army cannot be left untouched.

Afrida: Do we have the political will now to act without fear?

Bakshi: We finally do. Previous governments hesitated due to vote-bank politics. Prime Minister Modi, love him or hate him, is not afraid to act. The language in Kashmir has changed. Militancy has reduced. Even Muslims who once felt sidelined are beginning to see that strong governance can be fair too. That’s the shift — clarity, firmness, and focus.

Afrida: Last question — as someone who has fought in the 1971 war, what’s your one message for India today?

Bakshi: Respect your soldiers. Build stronger internal vigilance. And remember — the enemy outside can only harm us when the enemy within helps them. Intelligence, unity, and national pride — that’s our defence. Let’s not wait for another attack to wake up.

Afrida Rahman Ali: Thank you so much, Wing Commander Bakshi, for your candour and your service. We hope to continue these crucial conversations.