New Delhi, May 12: Amid a surge of speculation on social media regarding a possible Indian airstrike on Pakistan’s Kirana Hills—allegedly housing nuclear materials—Air Marshal A. K. Bharti firmly denied the claims during a press briefing on Monday.
Responding to a question about the theory, Air Marshal Bharti said with a straight face, “Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installation. We did not know about it… We have not hit Kirana Hills, whatever is there.” His statement comes as online rumors grow that India either deliberately or accidentally struck a location in the Kirana Hills, triggering a supposed radioactive leak.
Social media chatter has also suggested that the United States dispatched a reconnaissance aircraft to Pakistan to assess the situation, while Egypt allegedly sent a cargo plane carrying boron—a chemical compound used to control radioactive contamination. However, there has been no official confirmation from the countries involved.
Addressing a broader query on modern warfare, Air Marshal Bharti noted that drone warfare played a significant role in the current conflict dynamics between India and Pakistan. “It is a different type of warfare and was bound to happen because every war is different with technological advancements,” he said, emphasizing India’s ongoing efforts to stay technologically ahead of its adversaries.
He praised the preparedness of the Indian Air Force, stating, “Engagements were different, a lot of new aspects came out, but we were prepared, trained and equipped for it.” Bharti also credited the Indian government’s consistent policy and financial support over the past decade, which has strengthened air defence capabilities through the procurement of advanced weapon systems and equipment.
As of now, the Indian government has not issued an official statement addressing the alleged radioactive leak in Kirana Hills.
