Perception management in Indo-Pak firing (English Version) Rakshak News 30 May 18
The IB and the LoC are active, casualties are mounting on both sides, civilians being targeted, posts being destroyed with firing all through the day. There were news reports of Pak Rangers seeking peace, post the destruction of their bunker by the BSF in retaliation, however the next day, tempo from their side increased. This could possibly have been on instructions from the army, which considered their request, projected throughout in the Indian media, as an insult to the nation. Simultaneously information continues to flow of terrorists awaiting induction from Pak, which would only be feasible under cover of firing.
Each year post the harvesting of crops on both sides, the quantum of firing increases. This was also confirmed by the BSF when its spokesperson stated that the current spell of border firing was expected as the harvest season is over. A BSF official added, ‘They resort to such acts the disrupt the atmosphere on the border.’ He went on to add, ‘The suspension of operations in the month of Ramzan pertains to actions against militants in the Kashmir valley. It has no bearing on the IB or LOC.’ Hence in the present context the prevailing situation would continue.
Most of the recent firing is on the Jammu border, which is dominated by Dogra’s whose villages extend almost upto the IB. Arnia, the village most targeted is possibly the largest village in the state. The firing along the IB is more to create fear amongst the locals and enhance pressure on the government to seek talks with Pak. Firing along the LoC, on the other hand, is mostly to support infiltration of militants into the valley as Pak is aware that it is losing the battle for Kashmir, as their trained militants are fast losing ground. The elimination of five militants in the Tangdhar sector over the weekend is ample proof.
Most nominated local militant leaders, especially in South Kashmir, are Kashmiri’s who have recently picked the gun and remain untrained and ill-equipped. Infiltration has become a trickle and those that do manage to infiltrate are being eliminated before they reach the interiors. For increased infiltration, the LoC must remain active.
Since enhanced levels of firing was expected, the local public should have been warned and either advised to remain indoors or move to shelters. The aim should have been to reduce own civilian casualties, as it severely impacts local morale and has peaceniks and local politicians screaming for talks.
Simultaneously, own forces deployed along the border would be retaliating to Pak actions. It would be equal or even more vicious from own side, as both sides seek to dominate the border by fire and maintain ascendency. The Indian forces are better equipped, have a free hand to hit back.
The current situation is also a snide warning to peaceniks and local politicians in the valley, who have been harping on talks with Pak. No nation can ever consider talks when its innocent civilians are being targeted and children being killed, as the foreign minister also stated. Mentioning talks at this stage would be a retrograde step and be from a position of weakness, whereas proposals for talks should be taken from a position of strength.
Indian press emphasis is on own casualties with very few reports of retaliation and impact of the same on Pak posts and villages. Unless counter actions gain more media coverage, the perception of own population would be that of us being victims or being dominated by Pak. Their media, controlled directly by the deep state, has made no reference of firing or casualties on their side, which would also have been equal or even more. This results in a one-sided report of casualties, impacting morale of not only the local population but also of the nation.
This one-sided reporting may enhance national anger and add to hatred against Pak, but also conveys the message that they have the upper hand. Perception management therefore needs to be considered such that the true picture of Indian retaliation and Pak casualties is correctly projected. Spokespersons of the BSF and army should therefore regularly provide details of Indian counter actions.
Whether it be the IB or the LoC, reports of the strong retaliation must be projected in local media in the right earnest. The nation must have the confidence that its forces are effective and ensuring security and would never let Pak dominate the border. The right picture is essential for perception management of the national public.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army