The uproar that emerged followed by the Uri attack on 18th Aug, reminds me of the restlessness of the nation during the Kandahar hijack episode of 1999. The pressure was so much that it was almost impossible for the government to think with a cool head. Ultimately the government came out with a plan which resulted in a huge diplomatic and strategic setback. I, at that time, was just 12 years old kid but very much well aware of the fact how the political parties tried to take every inch out of that for their political gains. Till date, the episode is used by political parties to score petty political points. I have mentioned this episode just to highlight the fact that there is no sincerity and morality left in our Netas. They, always, put their political interest above the national interest. The events followed by the surgical strikes carried out across the LOC are the latest proof of my claim.
First of all opposition and some intellectuals (so-called) are accusing the government of chest thumping over the military operations. They also maintain that the government shouldn’t own the breaching of the sanctity of the LOC. Let’s not go into the history of chest thumping on the previous occasions. I am also not in favour of unnecessary chest thumping. But at the same time, I want to highlight some points on why this public announcement of the surgical strikes are important according to my understanding. As we all know, Pakistan has a dual power structures ( to be shown to the world at least). One is their military and the other is their elected government which in real sense is nothing but a platoon of the military. The problem India faces that it needs to deal with the military but has no alternative other than dealing with the government. That’s why literally every decision reached out between India and Pak is superseded by the Pak military. So what is the option before us? Not that much simple but India need to take the Pak establishment out of the military captivity.
For that, We must strengthen the democratic government of Pak but at the same time we also need to weaken the Pak military hold over the establishment. The most effective way to weaken the Pak military is the military response for their aggression which is done through their so-called non state actors. Let’s be clear, a full-scale war must be the last option to be exercised but the surgical strikes and covert or overt operations are good options if combined with shrewd diplomacy.
The public announcement of the limited surgical strikes serves various purposes. It surely has a longer rope on the escalation ladder and at the same time serves as huge blow on the moral and a sense of impunity of the Pak army. It also give a clear indication to both Pakistan and the international community that India isn’t ready anymore to tolerate the targeted violence which has its root across the border, on her people. Further, It conveys a direct message to the so-called non state actors that their state will not always be able to protect them. Subsequently, it is also a limited but fitting and effective reply to Pak’s nuke bluff. Most importantly, it warns the people and the civil society of Pakistan that their over-dependence on military which has adopted terrorism as a state policy might lead them to a catastrophe. They must be made to realize that their future lies in inclusive democracy not in military democracy. Last but not the least, it also strengthens the faith the people have in our democratic system that India is capable to face head on the dangers of terrorism.
So let us see what we are doing right now. The latest proof-mongering ( if I may use the term) highlights the basic threat to the democracy that is the lack of self-restrain. A democratic government can’t dictate terms but it is up to individuals to carry the burden of responsibility and to act accordingly. We can’t do just anything we want to. The proof mongers have given a laughable excuse for their indefensible act and that is Pak’s false propaganda. But by doing so they are not only doubting the political will of the government and the capability of our forces but also acting, wittingly or unwittingly, as a catalyst for Pak’s propaganda.
They just don’t know (or pretend to) that falsehood is in the DNA of Pak. Pakistan even accused RAW for the hijack of IC 814 which, according to her version, was carried out to demonize her ahead of the US President Clinton’s’ visit. So what kind of proof we should present to counter that kind of gutter level propaganda. It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do anything to counter Pak’s bluff. Yes we must counter it but let’s have some patience. The government will act accordingly but we just can’t scream in public to counter the propaganda especially at a time when the need of the hour is the consensus among the political classes. If the need arises the government will surly come out with some kind of proof. We can’t raise doubt over our stated facts just because Pakistan has said something or some of the international media have said other. This is not how we are supposed to function.
So why this kind of jingoism in our political class? Pakistan has several reasons to deny the authenticity of strikes but what purpose does it serve to our Netas who raise doubts over the strikes? Why is this desperation among our political class that their much acclaimed unity has lasted only few days? Why are they even ready to be treated as a hero in Pakistan? According to me, the biggest setback ,after the strikes carried out, they are facing right now is the loss of huge perception battle, which was built against the government post Uri attack scenario. Is this the reason? Also, BJP is trying hard to continue the narrative which is going on. Just look at the difference between pre surgical strikes and post surgical strikes scenario. However, we must understand that the government also wants to de-escalate some tensions, it will gives an easy breathing space for everyone. So it is not too eager to prove anything. It will also give time to evaluate the strategies. At least, We must not politicize the strategic affairs of the military.
For those who are still not ready to put their arms down (Interestingly, they also don’t seem to understand the Indian perspective ), I bring out a famous line of John Donne’s poem –
“ For God sake, hold your tongue and let me love”
( The Canonization)
