Changing the narrative post Pulwama (English Version) Rakshak News 20 Feb 19
http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/need-to-move-faster-than-acclimate-step-after-the-pulwama-incident
Changing the narrative post Pulwama (English Version) Rakshak News 20 Feb 19
The recent attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama has been the most severe in recent times. The country screams for revenge. It is not that it was unexpected. I had written on multiple occasions in the last few months, that as elections draw close, Pak would attempt to change the political narrative by conducting a strike. For the moment all political parties have stood in unison, however the blame game will commence a week later.
This is exactly what Pak would desire. It seeks to push for a weak coalition or a government without a strong leader who has projected India in the international environment. The strike would soon be exploited by every political party to target the BJP. This may compel the government to launch a hurried riposte, which if for some reason does not bring forth the desired results, could cause more harm than good. Hence, maturity is essential at the national level.
While as a first step the government has removed the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to Pak, its impact would not be much. While it may restrict trade and impact only a section of the public, that is just one of the steps which the government should take. Similarly, preparing the dossier for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), whose review meeting on Pak has commenced, for further degrading Pak’s status from Great to Black. While it may not happen, it would ensure the Grey listing continues.
Diplomatically, the actions should include declaring Pak as a supporter of terrorism by the Indian government, prior to pushing this message across the international community. Its major implication would close all options for talks at the present, which anyway is not on the cards. It would also imply reducing staff at embassies on both sides, including deporting the Pak military staff. Discussions on Kartarpur should be pushed back. This would send a strong message.
India should aim at convincing Iran to join hands in seeking a strong riposte, as their personnel were also struck around the same time, in an almost similar manner. India should support secessionist movements within Pak, including the Baluch freedom struggle.
It is unlikely that the US and China would adopt strong anti-Pak measures as they are both closely interacting with Pak for their own reasons, the US for its talks with the Taliban and China due to its investments in the country. Arabian nations too would not adopt strong measures as the ex-Pak army chief heads a coalition of the military of 41 nations. Hence, international pressure, despite all attempts may not be very effective.
Militarily, the aim should be to target Pak in a manner that their army is impacted. It should not be an action, which could be denied as they did with the surgical strike. It should be visible to the Pak public, hence should be at a greater depth and involve more risk. If Pak is forced to retaliate, then so be it. Actions taken along the Line of Control (LoC) cannot escalate to the international border, since the LoC can be changed.
Within the valley, removing all support being provided to separatists has already been done. They would claim that they never desired it, but have exploited it to the hilt, including medical treatment and air travel. Investigation into their source of finances must commence. Pressure must build on all anti-national elements in the valley, curbing their freedom.
Internally, the government and the opposition must not exploit the strike to target one another for political benefits. Exploiting it, would lead to playing into Pak’s hands. Similar would be adopting stringent actions against local Kashmiris and those studying in different parts of India. It is this narrative that Pak and its proxy’s based in India desire. The nation, while paying homage to the soldiers killed in the suicide strike, must not pressurise the government to act in haste.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army