Radiation Silence: Why India Isn’t Talking After BrahMos Depot Fallout

News Desk

Islamabad: A recent report by India’s National Radiological Safety Division has confirmed a radiation alert in Indian Punjab, following damage to a BrahMos missile depot—an incident Pakistan claimed responsibility for during a cross-border strike on May 10.

The confirmation, though not publicly addressed by Indian officials, is being viewed as a significant validation of Islamabad’s account of the engagement.

According to the report, authorities ordered the evacuation of residents within a three-kilometer radius of the depot, while those living up to five kilometers away were instructed to remain indoors with windows and doors shut.

These measures were taken amid fears of radioactive contamination, sparking alarm over public safety and environmental risks.

Despite the serious implications, the Indian government has not issued any formal statement regarding the incident or the findings of the radiological authority, leading to growing unease and speculation about the extent of the damage and potential exposure risks.

Experts suggest the absence of an official response from New Delhi could exacerbate tensions and erode public trust, especially as evidence supporting Pakistan’s claim gains traction. The revelation also highlights the broader risks posed by military installations in civilian-populated areas, particularly when they involve strategic weapon systems.

As radiation monitoring continues and diplomatic silence persists, analysts are calling for increased transparency, stronger safety protocols, and bilateral mechanisms to manage such incidents more responsibly between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.