Political game of numbers (English Version) Rakshak News 13 Mar 19
http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/political-game-of-balakot-number
Political game of numbers (English Version) Rakshak News 13 Mar 19
The air strike which destroyed the Balakote terrorist camp has become the latest tool for political slugfest. The game being played by the ruling BJP and the opposition hinges around on the number of terrorists killed in the strike. While the BJP quotes its figures, the opposition demands proof. Some opposition members have claimed that only trees were destroyed and there were no casualties.
The strike was in a remote hilly terrain devoid of any habitation, other than the terrorist camp. There were no villages nor any military establishment in near vicinity. It was for this specific reason alone, that this target was selected. The intention was to avoid collateral damage which could have put India on the backfoot. Further, since this location was shared with Pak on multiple occasions, it could not admit that the strike was successful, and terrorists killed. Terrorists are after all cannon fodder and would be recreated.
Pak has desperately been seeking to hide the truth behind the strike. To take press personnel, unaware of the region, to a neighbouring hillock and indicate that the strike was there is easy. This is one major reason why some in the international press are supporting the Pak version. None has yet been permitted to visit the exact location which India claims to have targeted.
However, the questioning of the efficacy of the strike by our own politicians, desperate to garner a few additional votes by calling the other political party as liars, only helps Pak as it quotes their statements. It further adds confusion in Indian minds on the efficacy of its armed forces. Even families of Pulwama casualties have begun demanding proof based on such claims by politicians.
Political parties claim they support the armed forces and have no doubt on their capability, while in the same breath question its efficacy of destroying a target, is nothing else but hypocrisy. They are all aware of the destroyed buildings, satellite pictures of which were in open media, but their questioning numbers indicates that the air force, which took all risks, destroyed empty, unoccupied buildings. Hence, once again the question, are they supportive of the armed forces or doubting its integrity in defending the nation.
While numbers may or may not matter, what is being missed by those who claim to be political party leaders and nationalists is that the strike proved multiple aspects, which Indian government’s over the years ignored. It broke the myth of Pak’s nuclear bluff, which had forced governments for decades to avoid paying back Pak in the same coin for terrorist strikes within India.
Traditionally, India cried to the world community, which only spoke, never acted. This would be the first time that all have reacted and would even push for Masood Azar to be nominated as a global terrorist, if only to appease Indian anger. This is because India communicated that it is willing to risk a conflict if it must, as Pak has not desisted from supporting terrorist groups. Now all future governments, irrespective of political affiliation have an additional option which had always remained closed.
Would larger number of terrorists killed in the airstrike enhance votes from the Indian public or just the fact that the government responded to Pak’s support to the terrorist strike do the needful. Would numbers killed enhance retribution levels Indians desired, or the fact that India struck back do the needful. If only response would satisfy the Indian public, then why rake up the issue and commence a slugfest.
The slugfest helps no one, neither the nation nor the air force which risked its pilots for the nations honour. It only helps Pak continue to hide the truth from its own public. It also enables western press, which remains confused by the location shown by Pak to doubt Indian actions. Hence, across the globe, Indian claims are unaccepted. Can we blame anyone else for this other than our own politicians, cutting across party lines, desperate for votes in the coming elections?
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army