Situation in Kashmir - A Review

11 Aug, 2001    ·   537

Maj Gen (Retd) Ashok Krishna feels that there is an immediate need for taking stern measures, by adopting a “pro-active” policy towards Pakistan
Maj. Gen. Ashok Krishna (Retd)
Pakistan ’s strategy

 

 

Ho-Chi-Minh evolved a strategy that was suited to the modern age against the Americans who possessed vast military and economic resources, but were vulnerable to public opinion. His strategy was to “fight-fight, talk-talk”. The Vietnamese focussed on softening the Americans in a series of bloody engagements, which were transmitted to television viewers in the USA each day. Notwithstanding the resources deployed in Vietnam – overwhelming air power and well equipped ground forces – the Americans  began to believe that the war was not only unwinnable but also immoral.

 

 

The Pakistan military has adopted a similar strategy in J&K. Whilst wanting to talk they continue to intensify the proxy war. They are aware that Indian public opinion is difficult to soften on matters involving core national values. Hence, nuclear Pakistan is intent on forcing the west to intervene in the long run. World opinion is being manipulated to force India to capitulate by holding out threats of a larger conflict with the attendant risks of a nuclear exchange. Indian public opinion is sought to be softened by a series of bloody strikes and by making it appear that India is exhausting its military resources to end terrorism.

 

 

Ground Realities

 

 

The Chittisinghpora massacre in which 36 Sikhs died occurred on the day, President Clinton visited India in March 2000. Around 100 people died last year within 24 hours of the announcement of a cease-fire by Hizbul Operations Chief, Abdul Majeed Dar. This included the cold-blooded murder of more than two dozen Bihari brick kiln labourers in Anantnag and the killing of Amarnath pilgrims in Pahalgam. During the three days that Musharaff was in India (14-16 July), there were over 20 incidents of violence perpetrated by the Lashkar-e-Toiba, Al Badr and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen which claimed over 70 lives. These organisations are aided and supported by the Pakistan Army  to prove the power of the gun over diplomacy. 

 

 

Post Agra, the Pakistan Army opened fire along the Line of Control (LoC) on 20 July; and, on 21 July, 13 pilgrims were killed at Sheshnag (near Pahalgam) whilst going  to Amarnath. On 22 July, 12 Hindu villagers were killed in Chirgi village in Kishtwar tehsil in Doda and, on 04 August, 15 Hindu villagers were killed in Luddar village in the Atholi area in Doda. In a strike at Jammu Railway Station, 9 persons were killed on 08 August. Killing innocent and unarmed civilians accord with the ISI’s oldest (but totally false) thesis that terrorism in Kashmir is the outcome of an “ever growing indigenous struggle.”

 

 

After the winter, there has been a regular and increasing influx of infiltrators and suicide squads into the Valley and other parts of J & K. ISI agents are also operating in North East India; they enter through both Bangladesh and Nepal . In an effort to intensify terrorism from secure bases, concrete emplacements have been coming up in the wooded areas in Kupwara, Rajauri and Punch districts. Anti-tank rockets and missiles have been recovered, along with 82 mm bombs, obviously to attack Army posts and those of the para military forces.

 

 

Countering Terrorism

 

 

It did not need the Agra Summit to understand Pakistan ’s military mind set; yet our Prime Minister has stated after the summit that he now understands Pakistan ’s strategy, and suitable measures would be taken to counter it. This is indicative of a casual towards countering terrorism attitude. Indian strategy must be proactive, and should be formulated well in advance, based on an accurate assessment of terrorist tactics and methods. Musharraf is no saint, and it should have been clear to the Indian leadership even before his visit that he would try to repudiate Shimla, the LoC and Lahore , and use the visit to strengthen his position in Pakistan . He went a step further, and likened the situation in J & K to a freedom struggle. 

 

 

Terrorism sponsored by a foreign government must invite a response commensurate with the level of the actual threat. The Government should not be afraid to apply force to protect its interests, citizens and property, whilst attempting to find long term solutions to the problem. To maintain a posture of injured innocence and vacillation in the face of terrorist activity will only encourage Pakistan ’s political strategy. 

 

 

In view of the rising terrorism in J&K, there is an immediate need for taking stern measures, by adopting a “pro-active” policy towards Pakistan . There is a broad consensus across the political spectrum in the country for this, though some may not approve of the word “pro-active”. The world community also condemns Pakistan ’s support for terrorist activities and the killing of innocent people in the name of jehad. The threat posed by Pakistan can only be countered by a tit-for-tat policy. Pakistan ’s strategy should be countered by taking on Pakistan politically, ideologically and militarily. India must follow a more pro-active policy both in the interior areas in J&K as also along the LoC. Furthermore, an aggressive programme should be launched to encourage subversive activities in Pakistan . 

 

 

 

 

 

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