The army chief clarifies (English Version) Rakshak News 28 Nov 18
http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/a-clear-mentality-is-the-symbol-of-army-chiefs-cleanliness
The army chief clarifies (English Version) Rakshak News 28 Nov 18
The army chief gave an interview to multiple channels last week. In every interview he stressed a few common points. The first was that terrorism in J and K is Pak sponsored and those who assist terrorists by interrupting operations are also enemies of the state. Secondly, he supported the government on its policy of no talks with Pak unless it showed an intent for peace. He justified this by stating that there has been no change in the situation along the LoC, where firing to support infiltration continues.
Thirdly, is that most cases filed against the army in Manipur are not by first relatives of the victims, but by a third party and are not only false but that they smack of an ill-intention. Most are on grounds of excessive use of force. Finally, he supports the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and those who have been marked as illegals must be deported.
Terrorism is Pak sponsored and supported is well known. Most terrorists are Pak nationals is also established. When security forces battle terrorists (both infiltrated or locals who have picked the gun), those seeking to disrupt operations by pelting stones are doing so knowing it is wrong and illegal. Hence, despite the views of valley based political parties, they are terrorist sympathizers and should be treated as such. The Chief rightly pointed out that this action is the first stage to becoming a terrorist.
On discussing the national strategy against Pak, he highlighted the fact that Pak is being isolated and has begun feeling international pressure. The recent interview by Trump and lack of support from the rest of the western world leaves it only with a few countries, China and Saudi Arabia being the closest. Its poor financial condition has it begging the IMF for loans. This was the Indian strategy and it has succeeded and would benefit the nation if it seeks to counter Pak’s attempts at launching terrorist strikes on Indian soil.
While Pak has made some overtures for talks, but its intent on ground appears to be different. If it was keen for talks, it should have showed its intent by indicating some positive steps. Solely asking for talks would imply nothing. The LoC has always been active. The level of firing depends on Pak’s attempts at infiltration. India has always retaliated with vigour. He rightly warned Pak that the surgical strikes were one option, there are many more, which could be exploited if Pak attempted a major strike.
The Chief gave a blunt warning to Pak to strong and heavy retaliation as reports filter in of some terrorists having infiltrated towards Delhi, seeking to launch a strike.
The supreme court is presently hearing a collection of petitions filed by NGOs against the army, accusing it of extra-judicial killings. Most of these cases are not filed by first relatives of victims, who should have reported the case immediately, but by NGOs. This action by NGOs could have ulterior motives as dragging to army to court impacts the pace and manner of its conduct of operations.
A report in the Times of India of 09 Sep this year stated that the army HQs is concerned with the slow pace of operations in the North East, since the Supreme Court issued directions against army personnel. The result was increased casualties to the army and negligible to militants. This could enable militants to recoup and could be the intention of the NGOs. The chief rightly desired that they also be investigated.
The NRC was an exercise presently conducted only in Assam. While final actions have still to commence, it needs to be also conducted in cities like Jammu, where the presence of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are on the rise. If not checked in time, it could alter the population balance and impact national security. Though this has been criticized in the media as having political overtones, such comments also have security implications for the nation, which need an analysis from the security perspective.
In this interview the army chief was deliberate, avoided political statements and at the same time, conveyed essential points. For those interrupting operations the warning was open, you will be treated as Pak sympathisers and there would be no mercy. For NGOs pushing to project fake cases against the army it was that the government will investigate your intentions and funding. The army chief never speaks without due diligence and forethought and this was a clear example.
Ultimately, for Pak it was a clear message that it should not seek to expand its misadventures beyond the valley, failing which it would have to pay a heavy price.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army