What Memories Does Celina Jaitly Share Amidst Pakistan's Ceasefire Violations?

Synopsis
In an emotional reflection, actress Celina Jaitly shares a powerful memory of her grandfather, Colonel E Francis, highlighting the historic betrayals stemming from Pakistan's recent ceasefire violations. As tensions rise, she calls for accountability and the importance of remembering our past to forge a path towards true peace.
Key Takeaways
- Celina Jaitly reflects on her family history amidst current tensions.
- She highlights the importance of accountability in leadership.
- The narrative illustrates the tragic consequences of Partition.
- Memories of war and loyalty are essential for understanding peace.
- Calls for peace must be accompanied by responsibility.
Mumbai, May 10 (NationPress) Actress Celina Jaitly has taken a reflective journey into her past, sharing a poignant story that highlights the history of betrayal by Pakistan, as the nation breached the ceasefire on Saturday amid ongoing skirmishes.
The actress posted on her X account, formerly known as Twitter, and included a nostalgic photograph of her grandfather, who served as a Colonel in the Indian armed forces. Along with the image, she expressed her thoughts in a detailed note.
She stated, “A History of Betrayal, (My Grandfather Colonel E Francis & General Ayub Khan) (From comrades to foes) With the latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan, history is repeating itself. My maternal grandfather, Colonel Eric Francis, is captured here as a young lieutenant (black-haired, seated in khaki attire, second from the viewer’s right) alongside his THEN comrade, Lieutenant Colonel Ayub Khan, who would later ascend to become the second President of Pakistan. They fought together under the British flag during World War II against the Imperial Japanese Army in Burma. They endured shared battlefields and hardships, fostering a loyalty forged in the crucible of war.”
She elaborated that the tragic events of Partition transformed their paths from brothers to adversaries. In 1965, Ayub Khan, then President of Pakistan, initiated Operation Gibraltar against India, which escalated into a full-blown war.
She continued, “My grandfather found himself on the opposing side, defending his homeland. That conflict concluded with a shaky peace through the Tashkent Declaration, yet an understanding lingered that this was perhaps not the end. As we observe another chapter of Indo-Pak tensions unfold today, I can’t help but ponder how long history must keep repeating before accountability is demanded and enforced? The world needs to hold the Pakistani establishment responsible for perpetuating unrest, harboring terrorism, and steering our region toward conflict.”
The actress then conveyed a message to those across the border advocating for peace, stating, “True peace requires responsibility. Demand accountability from your leaders, from the very hands that have repeatedly sabotaged the hope for lasting peace.”
“I wish my Nana were here today so I could inquire how it felt to face a friend turned enemy on the battlefield. However, I am thankful for the stories he left behind, narratives that I now proudly share with my resilient X family. Forgotten history is repeated history. Today, more than ever, we must remember,” she concluded.