NEW DELHI – Indian TV channel broadcast the programme *Aap ki Adalat*, inconversation with the Indian defence minister, reported Indian mediaoutlet *TheWire.link*

The anchor and India TV head Rajat Sharma wondered if the government wastaking steps to “straighten out Pakistan”.

“During the election campaign, you people had said that if they cut twoheads, we will cut ten heads. But ten heads are not really being cut now,”said Sharma. The studio audience clapped.

After the ovation subsided, Sitharaman replied, “No. I can only say this…weare also cutting heads, but are not displaying them.”

As the audience erupts in applause, the anchor said, “Okay. I respect yourlimits.”

It is clear from the context of her answer that Sitharaman was referring tothe cutting of heads of Pakistani soldiers killed by the Indian army incombat.

This is the first time ever that an Indian government official has publiclysaid that Indian army has “cut off” the heads of Pakistani soldiers duringoperations at the Line of Control (LOC).

The public declaration is unusual, as such action is a direct violation ofthe Geneva Convention and customary norms of international law on armedconflict.

While there is evidence that such actions have taken place, theirillegality is the reason the government has always maintained strictsilence over them.