Why Indian Air Force’s surgical strike on Pakistan shows Modi government’s courage and pragmatism
Pakistan asked for it — and the Indian Air Force (IAF) gave it right back.
In less than a fortnight since the Islamabad-sponsored terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) carried out a car bomb attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama, the Indian government has ensured a full payback for Pakistan. A reaction so strong that Islamabad did not see it coming.
For years, Pakistan has been waging a low-intensity war against India — in complete violation of all international norms and every peace agreement ever signed between the two countries.
Countless soldiers and many civilians lost their lives as Pakistan continued to peddle terrorists from across the border, killing Indians at whim.
Investigations into almost every terrorist activity led Indian intelligence agencies to trace terror to Pakistan. India, on its part, chose to not move beyond 'kadi ninda' (strong protest) even in the face of the gravest provocations.
Even after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that left over 174 people dead occurred, the then Indian government chose to do nothing beyond falling straight into Pakistan’s trap of providing evidence of Islamabad’s involvement in the attack, knowing well enough that Pakistan would do nothing — even with all the proof in hand.
Terrorism, after all, is state policy for Pakistan.
Despite all the evidence that India has put on the table, Pakistan has chosen not to act against Jammat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed — the mastermind of the Mumbai terror attacks.
Emboldened by India turning into a soft state in reacting to terrorism, Pakistan has carried out attacks on Indian soil with complete impunity.
The IAF strike that saw 12 Mirage 2000 aircraft drop 1,000 kg bombs into Pakistan is a statement that the time for strong protest is over — the time for strong action has arrived.
A day after 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were martyred in Pulwama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the government under him has given a free hand to all three wings of the Indian forces to teach Pakistan a lesson.
This decisive leadership, under which India has struck Pakistan hard, is not just going to be a boost for the spirit of the 1.3 billion plus people of India, but also Modi himself.
Modi was voted to power because the country wanted a strong leadership — a leadership that talks to Pakistan on its own terms, not due to pressure from the international community, and one that holds Pakistan accountable not just before the global community, but before every single Indian who cares for his soldiers.
In his speech that followed the IAF air strike, Modi declared from Rajasthan’s Churu, “The country is in safe hands.”
This message is sure to be lapped up by those who felt let down by the country’s soft approach towards terrorism earlier.
सौगंध मुझे इस मिट्टी की, मैं देश नहीं झुकने दूंगा... pic.twitter.com/XJkxa1HLQR
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2019
The air strikes are also proof that the government’s approach isn’t completely hawkish. A targeted air strike that has reportedly killed 200-300 terrorists is a balanced response from India. In the face of all the war-mongering, the Modi administration has chosen the path of pragmatism — refraining from war, but not decisive action.
Coming just days ahead of the announcement of the dates for General Elections, this action could well augment BJP’s electoral prospects.
Rajkumar Yadav, father of CRPF jawan Mahesh Kumar, who died in the Pulwama attack, had asked the government for strong action against Pakistan to avenge his son’s death. The sentiment was shared by millions of Indians.
The IAF strike is India’s tribute to the soldiers.