Readers tell us whether PM Modi should release video of surgical strikes
In a dramatic turning of tides, the Indian Army has handed over multiple videos and graphic evidence of its September 29 surgical strikes - across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir conducted to take out terrorists at their "launch pads" in PoK - to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Amid a rising clamour to release proof of the special forces operation among the political Opposition and the general public that was getting increasingly sceptical of the claims made by the NDA government at the Centre, the Army has put the ball in the PM's court - whether to assuage public doubt or to maintain secrecy over the details that may or may not jeopardise national security.
It must be noted that some members of the voluble opposition were echoing strategic denials made by Pakistani Army, government and their media, saying the strikes did not take place. Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam alleged that the onus to prove the surgical strikes were in fact not "fake" lay with PM Modi.
AAP leader and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal too had added his voice to the group demanding that the politicking over the Army operation be put to rest by releasing the video proof of the strike.
Evidently, mainstream and social media are split right in the middle over this. Should Army be accountable and held for public scrutiny? Should their selfless acts of bravery be dissected at every point risking a morale crisis and even possible security detail breach? Would this mean that every time there is a strike, or a special forces operation, there would be a call to release proof of the claims made thereby?
Or, as is the case in a healthy, functional, parliamentary democracy, where the armed forces are indeed subservient to the civil government and the people, should there be political and strategic assessment of a military operation?
Is the release if the video proof going to be a "stupid move", as some have alleged? Shouldn't we believe our DGMO and our own government?
Since the points are about answerability as much as tactical compliance, the question isn't all that black and white. Should PM Modi release the video proof?
We opened up the debate to our readers. As expected, a wide variety of viewpoints emerged. We bring you the best of the lot. Read on.
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DailyO readers weigh in:
Pervez Bana: No never. There is no need to justify their actions. We trust our military and their judgment. Unbelievers will continue to find fault in the film too, as their attitude is negative and fault finding.
Aawantika Singh: Yes, but not now. They should do this at the time when needed to put Pakistan down internationally. But never because of politicians like AK or Sanjay Nirupam. They can ask for anything but Indian Govt should follow their rules.
Sagar Rawlyani: Yes. A logical, sane and transparent government will release the videos. And what is the problem with releasing the videos? Why do people feel uncomfortable if some people say the government should release the videos. Don't you want to prove to skeptics that it did really happen?
Venkat Prasaad: NO Never.. we don't need to do this.. Instead India should do more surgrical strikes so that when the snake starts dying it will be the proof.
Jamshed Shahid: Duplicitous devils can only deceive their own public with their lies. The rest of the world knows their worth.
Laurence Mohanty: Sure, more surgical strikes definitely. But covert operations should remain covert.
Prabal Das: No...not at all. After realising of the video, the shameless critics will deny the fact and will called it fake or doctored.
Satya Upadhyay: It should be released after calm not right now. The situation is already tense and cross-LoC firing will escalate in response.
Ankit Jain: Not at all. All Indians trust their Army and their government. No need to disclose any info or videos which could compromise future operations of the Army for a bunch of idiotic liberals.
Natty Raju Natarajan: Such confidential information should never be discussed in public. Anyone talking against India, at this point, under the "freedom of speech" banner against Indian defence forces should be put behind bars.