New Delhi. 10
September 2021.The law-and-order situation in Jammu and Kashmir is
considerably improved after the defanging of article 370 and annulling of
article 35 A in August 2019. Both these articles provided special status to the
state which was exploited by Pakistan as well as by separatist elements.
Although the political parties have pledged that the struggle for restoration
of these articles would continue, but the general public appears to be happy as
they feel that now the state would progress.
Besides improvement in the law-and-order situation development work is
also accelerated as people from other states can also purchase land and can
establish some business which will generate employment for the locals and will
improve their financial condition.
After defanging of article 370 now the spouses of J&K females would
also get the domicile status hence the scope of marriage of J&K women is
also increased considerably which may improve their condition. As the separate
flag of J&K is defunct the feelings of nationality and patriotism would
increase. The separate constitution of the state is scrapped and now parliament
can enact laws even without the concurrence of the state legislative assembly.
Courtesy :
PHOTOGRAPHERS OF INDIA
Now security agencies are tightening the grip on anti-national elements
including the stone pelters. Now security clearance for issue and renewal of
passports would not be given to stone-pelters or to the people who were
involved in seditious activities. Consequent upon the revocation of article 370
the state is integrated well with rest of the country.
The Central government has come up with several large-scale projects
which would speed up the development of the state. The government has allotted
about 6,000-acre land for establishing industries in the state. More emphasis
would be laid on founding of manufacturing industries. Out of these 6,000 acres
of land 2,125 acres in Jammu and 1,000 acres in Srinagar is already transferred
to department of industries and commerce. The administration of Union Territory
has formulated an Allotment Policy 2021-30 and under the policy 150 industrial
zones have identified in
Jammu division while 142 industrial zones are earmarked in Kashmir area.
The government wants that projects should not become victim of red tape hence
it was decided that the projects over 200 crore will be cleared in 45 days
while the projects of lesser amount should not take more than 30 days in
clearance. Initially the land would be allotted for 40 years which can be
extended for 99 years.
Consequent upon the defanging of article 370, forty companies including
Tata and Reliance are interested in establishing the industries. These
companies would invest in defence, education, infrastructure, horticulture,
renewable energy, and information technology. The establishment of new
industries would create jobs and would improve the living standard of the
people.
Courtesy :
indiatribune.com
Last year the Central Government has extended Real Estate (Regulation
& Development) Act 2016 in J&K which would progress the scope of real
estate in the state. The road construction work is also moving with a speed.
The 8.5 Km all weather Qazigund-Banihal tunnel which connects Kashmir and Jammu
was open for public. The tunnel which was built at 5800 feet above sea level
would provide all weather connectivity and will also reduce the travel time.
More than 3,300 Km of roads in rural areas were constructed which is also a
record.
The construction of 272 Km long railway line from Udhampur to Baramulla
is also expedited and it would be completed by 2023. The project which links
Kashmir with rest of India is under construction from 2002 but could not be
completed because of many reasons including poor law and order situation. The
railway line between Katra to Banihal which is about 111 Km long will also be
completed by 2022-23. Railway is also undertaken several other projects
including construction of Chenab Bridge, Anji Khad bridge etc.
The Central government has also sanctioned two All India Institute of
medical Science (AIIMS), nine medical colleges, Indian Institute of Management,
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and 6,000 transit accommodations for
Kashmiri Pandits who are working in the valley. The UT as well as central
governments are working so that round the clock electricity can be provided in
important cities of the state. The government is trying to exploit the
hydroelectric resources in the state which are in plenty. Although the progress
of these ambitious projects was effected because of corona pandemic but sincere
efforts are done to speed up these projects. The construction of government
sponsored projects would generate confidence in private companies also and they
would start their projects also.
The terrorist violence has considerably reduced after the defanging of
article 370. Sometimes back Union Minister of State stated in Lok Sabha that
244 incidents of terrorism occurred in J&K in 2020 while in 594 terror
incidents happened in 2019. The security forces have exterminated 221
terrorists in 2020 while in 2019 only 157 terrorists could be eliminated. The
state minister also mentioned that the government is following the policy of
zero tolerance towards terrorism and security apparatus is not only
strengthened but modernised also. The incidents of terrorism are significantly
abridged in 2021 while large number of terrorists were killed in several
encounters in the state.
Courtesy : YouTube
As law-and-order situation is improved and government is trying to
generate employment in the state the number of Kashmiri youths joining
terrorists outfits is reduced. According to press reports only 67 local
Kashmiris have joined terrorism in first seven months of 2021 while in the
corresponding period in 2020 more than 100 Kashmiri youths have joined
terrorist organisations. In 2021 up to 15 July only 120 terrorist incidents
occurred while 188 terrorist incidents happened in the same period in 2020. In
first seven months of 2021 security forces killed 136 terrorists as now they
are getting better intelligence and there is less resistance from stone pelters
and the local residents. The causalities of security forces is also reduced as
in the first seven months of this year 35 security personnel were martyred
while in the corresponding period in 2020 about 75 security personnel were
killed. Security forces killed large number of terrorists from Hizbul
Mujahideen including its commander Riyaz Naikoo. The terrorists of other
outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind,
Islamic State and al Qaeda were also exterminated. The nefarious Inter Services
Intelligence (ISI) is continuously infiltrating the terrorists hence Indian
security forces killed Indian as well as foreign terrorists in these
encounters. The incidents of attacks by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and
throwing of hand grenades are also substantially reduced.
The security forces after warning and persuading the terrorists to
surrender are exterminating them under various operations including Operation
Cordon & search, All Out, Operation Rakshak, Operation Sarp Vinash,
Operation Randori Behak etc.
The security agencies have galvanised the intelligence apparatus and now
they are getting actionable intelligence about the terrorists hence they are
successfully eliminating them. The security forces should also collect
information about support agents as they play an important role in the
terrorist activity by assisting the action agents. The intelligence
organisation should identify these support agents and stringent action should
be taken against them.
Top tourist
destination
The government is tightening its grip over secessionist elements. The
income tax department has raised demand of 3.62 crore to late Syed Ali Shah
Jilani. The F.I.R. was lodged against the persons who raised anti-India and
pro-Pakistan slogans after his death on 1st September.
In view of improving law and order situation in the state, tourism would
also augment which would create jobs for local Kashmiris. This year on
Independence Day a hundred feet Indian national flag was hoisted at Hari Parbat
Fort, Lal Chowk, and several other places. Hoisting of tricolour in Srinagar at
many places is a proof that peace and tranquillity is returning back in the
valley.
The government has adopted a multi-faceted approach. On one hand several
infrastructure as well as industrial projects are being established in the
state which is generating employment and would bring prosperity in the state.
On the other hand, security agencies have adopted a stern approach towards
terrorism and terrorists are regularly exterminated. Hence peace and normalcy
is coming in the valley and it is welcomed by the masses. Now government should
also make efforts so that Kashmiri Pandits can return in the valley.
Taliban terror in
Kabul might have spill overs in J&K
Nevertheless, government should be careful as Taliban has more or less
won Afghanistan and according to intelligence reports about 8,000 terrorists of
L-e-T and Jaish-e-Mohammed were fighting in Afghanistan along with Taliban. Now
these Pakistan trained terrorists would be free in Afghanistan and ISI would
try to infiltrate them in India especially in J&K. The security agencies
should enhance vigil on the borders and should also try to settle ex-service
men as well as retired personnel of Central Police Organisations on the borders
as they would be helpful in stopping the infiltration of terrorists.
(Jai Kumar Verma is a Delhi-based strategic analyst and member of United
Services Institute of India and Institute for Defence Studies and
Analyses. The views in the article are solely the author’s.)
Raksha ANIRVEDA
www.raksha-anirveda.com
Army, Top Government Brass
Directly Involved in Operation Gulmarg, Admits Former Pakistani Major General
Pakistan planned and
launched ‘Operation Gulmarg’ within 10 days of its creation. The top civil and
military people were involved in the operation. In fact, even today Pakistani
rulers are continuously giving false hopes to the masses that they will capture
Kashmir which they call ‘an unfinished agenda’ of partition
The world including Indian security personnel, journalists,
intellectuals and even the common people are aware that Pakistan from the day of
its inception has launched a low intensity war against India. It has created
several terrorists outfits, supported secessionist movements and Islamic
terrorist organisations in India as well as Afghanistan. In reality carrying
out terrorist activities in India is an integral part of its foreign policy.
Although through terrorist activities Pakistan failed to annex Kashmir which
was its main objective, but it forced India to distract its defensive resources
away from its northern neighbour and Pakistan’s all-weather friend China. Time
and again, Indian security agencies have also submitted several evidences of
Pakistani involvement in carrying out terrorist activities in India, but these
moves from New Delhi were refuted by Islamabad.
However, the recently republished book “Raiders in Kashmir” authored by
former Major General Akbar Khan confesses that Pakistan army as well as top
civilian leadership were directly involved in ‘Operation Gulmarg’. The
operation was launched on the intervening night of October 21-22, 1947 with a
sinister objective of capturing Kashmir by force. A European think tank
European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) mentioned that although
about 73 years have passed when ‘Operation Gulmarg’ was launched, but Pakistan
is still pursuing the same policy. The EFSAS revealed that about 35,000 to
40,000 persons were butchered by Pakistani raiders. The think tank also claimed
that Major General (Retd) Akbar Khan commanded the Operation Gulmarg in which
about 22 Pathan tribes participated. The book reveals that Sardar Shaukat Hayat
Khan, a close confidant of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and senior leader of Muslim
League, led the ‘Operation Gulmarg’. Later Shaukat Hayat in his book ‘The
Nation that Lost its Soul’ also acknowledged that he supervised the Kashmir
operation. He also mentioned that Ghulam Muhammad, the then Finance Minister,
gave Rs 300,000 from Pakistani treasury for this operation.
The book narrates how Pakistan negated the standstill agreement with
Maharaja Hari Singh and armed the tribal Pashtuns so that the culpability of
attacking Kashmir does not come on Pakistan, although senior functionary of
Pakistan government as well as army were involved in the operation. Akbar Khan
revealed in the book that in an important meeting attended by Prime Minister
Liaquat Ali Khan, Finance Minister Ghulam Mohammad, first President of Punjab
Muslim League Mian Iftikharuddin and a close confidant of Muhammad Ali Jinnah,
Zaman Kiani, Khurshid Anwar, Sardar Shaukat Hayat Khan discussed and approved the
plan “Armed Revolt inside Kashmir” devised by the author.
Recently republished book “Raiders in Kashmir” authored by former Major
General Akbar Khan confesses that Pakistan army as well as top civilian
leadership were directly involved in ‘Operation Gulmarg.’ The operation was
launched on the intervening night of October 21-22, 1947 with a sinister
objective of capturing Kashmir by force
He also mentioned that the planning of capturing J&K was made in
Lahore and Rawalpindi. Khan wrote that Mian Iftikharuddin told him to chalk out
a plan to capture Kashmir forcibly. Although the title of the plan was “Armed
Revolt Inside Kashmir” but in reality, the plan was how Pakistani forces and
Pashtun militia would capture Kashmir. The book mentions that “As open interference
or aggression by Pakistan was obviously undesirable, it was proposed that our
efforts should be concentrated upon strengthening the Kashmiris themselves
internally — and at the same time taking steps to prevent the arrival of armed
civilians or military assistance from India into Kashmir.” It was also decided
that Khurshid Anwar would be in charge for northern sector and Zaman Kiani will
look after southern sector. Major General Akbar Khan, who was deeply involved
in the implementation of the plan, was made military adviser to Prime Minister
on October 28, 1947 which relieved him from his day to day military duties so
that he could devote more time in the ‘Operation Gulmarg’.
Khan served in the Armed Forces Partition Sub-Committee, hence he had full
information about the security of Kashmir including the strength of Maharaja
Hari Singh’s army. He also served as Director of Weapons and Equipment
(DW&E) at the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army hence he also had
the knowledge that how much weapons can be spared by Pakistan army without the
knowledge of its British Commander-in-Chief General Gracey. The book mentioned
how Khan procured the weapons from various sources including the Federally
Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) manufactured arms and ammunition. However, he
mentioned that these local weapons were not up to the mark and did not give the
desired results. He also revealed that the army had diverted rifles allotted to
Punjab police as well as useable weapons from store to the raiders of Kashmir.
The arms were also imported from Italy.
October 22 is observed as ‘Black Day’ in Jammu and Kashmir. On this day
in 1947 Pakistani raiders which included army personnel invaded J&K and
were involved in rape, loot and plunder. In view of the brutalities of
Pakistani invaders Maharaja Hari Singh decided to merge Kashmir with India and
signed accession papers. Indian army immediately came into action and liberated
J&K, but some areas remained in the illegal occupation of Pakistan, which
is known as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Gilgit, Baltistan etc. The book
mentions that “On October 26 (1947), the Pakistani forces captured Baramula
where only 3,000 survived out of 14,000. The troops were now only 35 miles from
Srinagar when the Maharaja (Hari Singh) sent his papers of accession to Delhi
asking for help.” In reality Pakistani militia killed Hindus and Sikhs, looted
their property and raped their women. It was a clear case of ethnic cleansing
though avoided by historians.
File photo
As Major General Khan was deeply involved in the formulation and
implementation of the plan of forcibly capture J&K, his book gives minute
details of the Pakistan aggression on J&K. Khan reveals in the book that
the Pakistani forces started on October 22 and captured Muzaffarabad and Domel
on October 24 as forces of Maharaja Hari Singh withdrew. Pakistani troops moved
towards Srinagar and Dogra troops again retracted at Uri.
The book narrates how Pakistan negated the standstill agreement with
Maharaja Hari Singh and armed the tribal Pashtuns so that the culpability of
attacking Kashmir does not come on Pakistan, although senior functionary of
Pakistan government as well as army were involved in the operation
As Hari Singh signed accession papers Indian forces reached J&K,
hence on October 27 there was an important conference in Lahore to discuss the
issue. Khan wrote in the book that “The Prime Minister held an unofficial
conference at Lahore to consider the situation arising out of Kashmir’s
accession and India’s military intervention. At this conference, among others,
were also present Colonel Iskander Mirza (then defence secretary, later to be a
governor-general), Chaudhri Mohd Ali (then secretary-general, later to be a
prime minister), Abdul Qayum Khan, then chief minister of the Frontier Province
and Nawab Mamdot, then CM of Punjab. Brigadier Sher Khan and I were also
invited.”
Even though Akbar Khan was a serving Major General of Pakistan army, but
he took active part in the invasion of Kashmir. He was one of the most
decorated officer of Pakistan army. He commanded Pashtun raiders with the
pseudonym of ‘General Tariq’. He mentioned in the book that he had “rushed back
to Pindi to ensure that the tribesmen received their ammunition in time.”
However, in 1951, he was convicted for a coup which was known as the Rawalpindi
Conspiracy and remained in jail for five years.
Pakistan planned and launched ‘Operation Gulmarg’ within 10 days of its
creation. The top civil and military people were involved in the operation. In
fact, Pakistani rulers are continuously giving false hopes to the masses that
they will capture Kashmir which they call ‘an unfinished agenda’ of partition.
Pakistan’s economy is in shambles and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
has already put it in ‘grey list’ while there is danger that it can slip into
‘black list.’ Hence Pakistan should leave animosity with India and should try
to devote its energies and resources in the development of the country.
Major General Akbar Khan, who was deeply involved in the implementation
of the plan, was made military adviser to Prime Minister on October 28, 1947
which relieved him from his day to day military duties so that he could devote
more time in the ‘Operation Gulmarg’
The diverse human right organisations, the free world and international
organisations including FATF should see that the author, who was a Major
General in Pakistan army, gave detailed account of the involvement of army and
civilian leadership of Pakistan in attacking India just few days after its
birth. The invaders were involved in mayhem, loot and carnage in J&K. At
present also Pakistan is assisting and abetting various terrorist organisations
in India hence FATF should downgrade it to ’black list’ while other countries
should declare it as a terrorist state and should stop all type of assistance.
-The writer is a
New Delhi-based strategic analyst and member of United Services Institute of
India and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The views in the article
are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha
Anirveda
Aviation & Defence Universe
WE JUST REPORT FACTS, WE DO NOT
CHANGE THEM
General Akbar Khan Shatters The Myth
That In 1947 Kashmir Was Raided By Tribals
By
Jai Kumar Verma
New
Delhi. 19 October 2020. The book
“Raiders in Kashmir” authored by retired Major General Akbar Khan of Pakistan
Army contradicts the myth that tribals raided Kashmir in 1947-48. General Khan
not only confessed that Pakistan directly assisted the raiders in Kashmir but
also gave the graphic details of the involvement of Pakistan Army. He also
narrated that Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who was Pakistan’s first Governor
General was fully aware of Pakistan’s assistance while Prime Minister Liaqat
Ali Khan was not only cognizant but was helping in procurement of weapons,
finance etc. The retired Major General not only boldly accepts Pakistan’s
assistance to Jihadists but also tries to justify the backing. He also gave
details that how he himself was present in Kashmir though he was a serving
officer of Pakistan army.
Akbar Khan
also asserts that according to the basic concept of creation of Pakistan, the
Muslim majority area had to be merged in Pakistan hence Kashmir which had about
75 percent Muslim population had to be an integral part of Pakistan. At the
time of partition Kashmir’s 84,500 square miles area had no effective rail or
road linkage with India. The letter K in PaKistan is for Kashmir. The writer
also mentioned that Kashmir was essential for Pakistan because of strategic as
well as economic reasons.
The book
also mentions about ‘Operation Gulmarg’ which was planned and launched by
Pakistan army. The army Headquarters did the planning and groundwork of
Operation Gulmarg since August 1947 i.e. soon after Pakistan was carved out
from India. Under the operation support was extended to raiders of Kashmir. The
writer recounts the details of the conspiracy hatched in Lahore and Rawalpindi
to capture Kashmir through brute force with the complete concurrence of the
rulers in Pakistan.
Major
General (Retd) Akbar Khan was the member of Armed Forces Partition
Sub-Committee in 1947 hence he had full idea that the total strength of
Maharaja Hari Singh’s army was 9,000 only and out of these 2,000 were Muslims.
Hence the effective strength against Pakistan’s invaders who were Muslims was
only 7,000 and that too was posted at different places. Hence the most
important thing was to choke the routes from where Indian army can enter
Kashmir. Pakistan expected that as Kashmir had majority Muslim population it
will be merged into Pakistan. They also threatened in case of necessity
Pakistan will also use force to capture it.
Akbar Khan
mentions how Pakistan army together with tribal forces intruded in Kashmir and
how they were also involved in loot, rape and mayhem. He also mentions that in
September 1947 he was told to chalk out a plan so that Kashmir can be captured
forcibly. At that time, he was serving as Director of Weapons and Equipment
(DW&E) in GHQ hence he had complete details of the arms and ammunition
available in Pakistan and how much can be spared for Kashmiri invaders.
However, the problem was firstly most of the weapons were lying in Delhi and
secondly officially the weapons had to come through British Commander-in-Chief,
and he will never allow to distribute the weapons of Pakistan army to Kashmiri
raiders. However, the author diverted 4000 rifles of Punjab police to Kashmiri
raiders. Besides these rifles other weapons were taken from illegal weapon
market of FATA area. The author also gives details of the condemned weapons
were given to raiders of Kashmir. Lieutenant Colonel Masud of the Cavalry also
agreed to give condemned ammunition to Zaman Kiani and Khursid Anwar for
distribution to raiders of Kashmir. Air Commodore Janjua gave winter clothing,
ammunition and weapons from the stock of Air Force to Kashmir raiders. Kashmiri
raiders included Pakistan army serving personnel also.
Khwaja
Abdul Rahim, Commissioner Rawalpindi collected weapons, ration, money and even
volunteers for attacking Kashmir. Prime Minister Liaqat Ali imported Light
Machine Guns from Italy.
As trained
army personnel were required Pakistan army enrolled Ex-Army officers of the
I.N.A. (Indian National Army). The book also mentions that though the author
captioned his plan as “Armed Revolt inside Kashmir” but makes it clear that
“open interference or aggression by Pakistan was obviously undesirable”.
Akbar Khan
made 12 copies of his plan which included the distribution of the weapons to
Kashmir invaders. He was called to Lahore where in a high-level meeting which
was presided over by Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan and attended by Finance
Minister Ghulam Mohammad (later Governor General), Mian Iftikharruddin, Zaman
Kiani, Khurshid Anwar, Sardar Shaukat Hayat Khan. In the meeting, Akbar Khan’s
plan how to conquer Kashmir was accepted. Sardar Shaukat Hayat was made the
overall commander while Khurshid Anwar and Zaman Kiani were made commander of
the northern and southern sectors respectively. After some time, Akbar Khan was
made Military Adviser to Prime Minister so that he can devote full time in
implementation of the plan to capture Kashmir.
Major
General Khan mentioned that Pakistani raiders crossed the border on 22 October
1947 and invaded Muzaffarabad and Domel on 24 October. The troops of Maharaja
Hari Singh could not stop Pakistani troops which went ahead on Srinagar road
and captured Uri. Baramula was captured on 26 October and the raiders butchered
about 11,000 persons out of 14,000. The slaughtered people were mainly
non-Muslims which indicates that it was religious cleansing.
The
Pakistani raiders were moving towards Srinagar but in the meantime Maharaja
Hari Singh realised the worsening situation and signed the accession to India.
Once he acceded to India, immediately Indian troops reached Kashmir. Prime
Minister of Pakistan called an urgent meeting on 27 October to chalk out a plan
in view of Kashmir’s accession to India and Indian troops reaching Kashmir.
Akbar Khan was also called, and it was decided to attack Jammu and block the
road so that Indian forces fail to send troops to Srinagar. The liquidation of
Jammu became so important that even Jinnah came in the meeting of military top
brass and instructed army to attack Jammu. When General Gracey the Britisher
acting C-in-C of Pakistan army was told to attack Jammu he refused and
mentioned that he will implement the order only after getting approval from
Supreme Commander stationed in New Delhi.
Akbar Khan
went to Kashmir and found that Pakistani troops are just four miles away from
Srinagar and also assessed the requirements of the Pakistan army and found that
troops needed armoured cars. Khan went to Rawalpindi and met Colonel Masud who
agreed to send the Pak army personnel in plain clothes with armoured cars to
fight as tribal. Pak army personnel from Karachi were also ready to come and
fight as civilians though reluctantly. However meanwhile Indian army came out
of Srinagar and Pakistani forces and tribals retreated to Uri without much
resistance and later refused to fight although Akbar Khan tried to persuade
them to stay and struggle.
The book
also deals with several instances where Pakistan failed to take correct
decisions because of over enthusiasm and desperation to capture Kashmir through
force. The book also makes it clear that although Pakistan army personnel were
involved in turmoil, pandemonium, loot and rape in Kashmir along with the tribal
but Major General Khan had no repentance for it. It is good if the younger
generation reads the book and understands that Pakistan is responsible for most
of the problems Kashmir is facing today.
(Jai
Kumar Verma is a Delhi-based strategic analyst and member of United Services
Institute of India and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The views in
the article are solely the author’s. He can be contacted at
editor.adu@gmail.com)
The Modi government is
methodically trying to resolve the Kashmir issue, which is lingering since the
partition of the Subcontinent in 1947. India and Pakistan have already fought
three wars, including the Kargil conflict of 1999, on Kashmir, writes Jai
Kumar Verma for South Asia Monitor
Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor, who was posted in Pakistan
and countered the anti-India operations of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI),
visited Kashmir on May 9 to review the overall security situation. He chaired a
high-level meeting, which continued for more than five hours and was attended
by the top brass of the security forces.
The meeting gave special stress on the curbing of cross-border terrorist
incursions and the need for assets that can inform about the infiltrators. The
NSA also emphasised the need to strengthen counter-insurgency operation in
Kashmir so that terrorists can be eliminated. He appreciated the killing of
more than 76 terrorists in 2020, including Reyaz Naikoo, a top commander of
Hizbul Mujahedeen (HM) on March 6. However, in the last month, about 22 security
force personnel were killed, including an
army colonel in different firefights in the valley. According to
intelligence reports, ISI assisted Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is planning suicide
attacks on security forces in the state.
In the meeting, it was also discussed that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF)
has enhanced its activities on India’s western borders. Recently. Pakistan
Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that India is planning a false-flag operation
against Pakistan. False-flag operation is a covert operation designed to
deceive the other party. Here Imran Khan means that India may plan an attack on
itself and will publicise that the attack was done by Pakistan. It indicates
the sinister motive of Pakistan that after carrying out some major terrorist
activity in India, it will allege that it was organised by Indian security
forces.
Recently ISI has also created two more terrorist outfits, including The
Resistance Front (TRF) and JK Pir Panjal Peace Forum to increase terrorist
activities in the valley. TRF is supported by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). In March,
security officials arrested six TRF activists and seized a large cache of arms
and ammunition, including hand grenades, AK rifles, pistols, detonators, fuses
and lot of ammunition.
Meanwhile, the Modi government asked television channels to include
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) - what Pakistan calls 'Azad Kashmir' -
and Gilgit-Baltistan areas also in national weather forecasts. The move
is significant as now everyday India media will profess that POK,
Gilgit-Baltistan are part of India and Pakistan has illegally captured these
areas. Indian TV channels will show the map of India, which will include these
areas too.
Indian Army Chief, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, also said on January
11, 2020 that, if the government orders, Indian Army can take the requisite
steps to seize POK. The parliamentary resolution of 1994 clearly reiterates
that whole of POK is an "integral part of India".
The Modi government is methodically trying to resolve the Kashmir issue,
which is lingering since the partition of the Subcontinent in 1947. India and
Pakistan have already fought three wars, including the Kargil conflict of 1999,
on Kashmir. First of all, security forces are eliminating terrorists in Kashmir
under Operation All Out (OAO). The number of terrorists, both local and
foreigners, are considerably reduced, and the average life of terrorists is
reduced to a few months. The number of terror incidents has also been reduced
and there are full cooperation and coordination between all the security
forces. There may be some exceptions where unwanted comments were made by a
specific officer but, by and large, there is complete teamwork among the
security forces.
The defanging of Article 370, abrogation of Article 35A, and splitting
of the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) into two union territories were
significant moves. The Pakistan-abetted separatists were claiming that they
will merge J&K with Pakistan but after defanging of Article 370 on August
5, 2019, that possibility is over.
Now the government should make the conditions conducive so that Kashmiri
Pandits can go back to their native villages. Besides them, the people who
migrated from Pakistan and living as stateless people in J&K and elsewhere
should also be rehabilitated in the valley. If need be land should be allotted
on the India-Pakistan border to ex-servicemen as well as to retired personnel
of central police organisations so they can settle in those areas.
Once peace and tranquility are established tourism will also pick up
and unemployment will go down. Sincere efforts should be made to curb
radicalisation and efforts should be made to deradicalise the youth. The imams
of the mosques in Kashmir who preach terrorism should be given exemplary
punishment.
Once peace is restored attempts should be made to get back POK as well
as Gilgit-Baltistan from Pakistan. The residents of POK are dissatisfied with
the federal government of Islamabad as there has been little development in the
region. The residents of Gilgit and Baltistan are Shia Muslims and they do not
feel safe in a Sunni Muslim-dominated Pakistan. They are also against the
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as they feel that China will exploit
their mineral resources and Islamabad has no interest in their welfare.
However, China which claims itself as ‘all-weather’ friend of Pakistan
will not like India occupying these areas as CPEC, which is a prime project of
Chinese President Xi Jinping, passes through this area. Secondly, it will
weaken Pakistan, which is not in the interest of China, as Beijing is using
Islamabad as a strategic tool against India. Hence it is a sensitive operation
and India must proceed cautiously. Nevertheless, India must make sincere
efforts to reclaim the areas that have been an integral part of the country.
NSA Doval and his team are moving in the right direction.
(The author is a New Delhi-based strategic analyst and member of USI and
IDSA. The views expressed are personal and not necessarily shared by the
editors of South Asia Monitor. He can be contacted at jai_pushpa@hotmail.com)
New Delhi. 10 September 2021.The law-and-order situation in Jammu
and Kashmir is considerably improved after the defanging of article 370 and
annulling of article 35 A in August 2019. Both these articles provided special
status to the state which was exploited by Pakistan as well as by separatist
elements. Although the political parties have pledged that the struggle for
restoration of these articles would continue, but the general public appears to
be happy as they feel that now the state would progress.
Besides improvement in the law-and-order situation development work is
also accelerated as people from other states can also purchase land and can
establish some business which will generate employment for the locals and will
improve their financial condition.
After defanging of article 370 now the spouses of J&K females would
also get the domicile status hence the scope of marriage of J&K women is
also increased considerably which may improve their condition. As the separate
flag of J&K is defunct the feelings of nationality and patriotism would
increase. The separate constitution of the state is scrapped and now parliament
can enact laws even without the concurrence of the state legislative assembly.
Courtesy : PHOTOGRAPHERS OF
INDIA
Now security agencies are tightening the grip on anti-national elements
including the stone pelters. Now security clearance for issue and renewal of
passports would not be given to stone-pelters or to the people who were
involved in seditious activities. Consequent upon the revocation of article 370
the state is integrated well with rest of the country.
The Central government has come up with several large-scale projects
which would speed up the development of the state. The government has allotted
about 6,000-acre land for establishing industries in the state. More emphasis
would be laid on founding of manufacturing industries. Out of these 6,000 acres
of land 2,125 acres in Jammu and 1,000 acres in Srinagar is already transferred
to department of industries and commerce. The administration of Union Territory
has formulated an Allotment Policy 2021-30 and under the policy 150 industrial
zones have identified in
Jammu division while 142 industrial zones are earmarked in Kashmir area.
The government wants that projects should not become victim of red tape hence
it was decided that the projects over 200 crore will be cleared in 45 days
while the projects of lesser amount should not take more than 30 days in
clearance. Initially the land would be allotted for 40 years which can be
extended for 99 years.
Consequent upon the defanging of article 370, forty companies including
Tata and Reliance are interested in establishing the industries. These
companies would invest in defence, education, infrastructure, horticulture,
renewable energy, and information technology. The establishment of new
industries would create jobs and would improve the living standard of the
people.
Courtesy : indiatribune.com
Last year the Central Government has extended Real Estate (Regulation
& Development) Act 2016 in J&K which would progress the scope of real
estate in the state. The road construction work is also moving with a speed.
The 8.5 Km all weather Qazigund-Banihal tunnel which connects Kashmir and Jammu
was open for public. The tunnel which was built at 5800 feet above sea level
would provide all weather connectivity and will also reduce the travel time.
More than 3,300 Km of roads in rural areas were constructed which is also a
record.
The construction of 272 Km long railway line from Udhampur to Baramulla
is also expedited and it would be completed by 2023. The project which links
Kashmir with rest of India is under construction from 2002 but could not be
completed because of many reasons including poor law and order situation. The
railway line between Katra to Banihal which is about 111 Km long will also be
completed by 2022-23. Railway is also undertaken several other projects
including construction of Chenab Bridge, Anji Khad bridge etc.
The Central government has also sanctioned two All India Institute of
medical Science (AIIMS), nine medical colleges, Indian Institute of Management,
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and 6,000 transit accommodations for
Kashmiri Pandits who are working in the valley. The UT as well as central
governments are working so that round the clock electricity can be provided in
important cities of the state. The government is trying to exploit the
hydroelectric resources in the state which are in plenty. Although the progress
of these ambitious projects was effected because of corona pandemic but sincere
efforts are done to speed up these projects. The construction of government
sponsored projects would generate confidence in private companies also and they
would start their projects also.
The terrorist violence has considerably reduced after the defanging of
article 370. Sometimes back Union Minister of State stated in Lok Sabha that
244 incidents of terrorism occurred in J&K in 2020 while in 594 terror
incidents happened in 2019. The security forces have exterminated 221
terrorists in 2020 while in 2019 only 157 terrorists could be eliminated. The
state minister also mentioned that the government is following the policy of
zero tolerance towards terrorism and security apparatus is not only
strengthened but modernised also. The incidents of terrorism are significantly
abridged in 2021 while large number of terrorists were killed in several
encounters in the state.
Courtesy : YouTube
As law-and-order situation is improved and government is trying to
generate employment in the state the number of Kashmiri youths joining
terrorists outfits is reduced. According to press reports only 67 local
Kashmiris have joined terrorism in first seven months of 2021 while in the
corresponding period in 2020 more than 100 Kashmiri youths have joined
terrorist organisations. In 2021 up to 15 July only 120 terrorist incidents
occurred while 188 terrorist incidents happened in the same period in 2020. In
first seven months of 2021 security forces killed 136 terrorists as now they
are getting better intelligence and there is less resistance from stone pelters
and the local residents. The causalities of security forces is also reduced as
in the first seven months of this year 35 security personnel were martyred
while in the corresponding period in 2020 about 75 security personnel were
killed. Security forces killed large number of terrorists from Hizbul
Mujahideen including its commander Riyaz Naikoo. The terrorists of other
outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind,
Islamic State and al Qaeda were also exterminated. The nefarious Inter Services
Intelligence (ISI) is continuously infiltrating the terrorists hence Indian
security forces killed Indian as well as foreign terrorists in these
encounters. The incidents of attacks by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and
throwing of hand grenades are also substantially reduced.
The security forces after warning and persuading the terrorists to
surrender are exterminating them under various operations including Operation
Cordon & search, All Out, Operation Rakshak, Operation Sarp Vinash,
Operation Randori Behak etc.
The security agencies have galvanised the intelligence apparatus and now
they are getting actionable intelligence about the terrorists hence they are
successfully eliminating them. The security forces should also collect
information about support agents as they play an important role in the
terrorist activity by assisting the action agents. The intelligence
organisation should identify these support agents and stringent action should
be taken against them.
Top tourist destination
The government is tightening its grip over secessionist elements. The
income tax department has raised demand of 3.62 crore to late Syed Ali Shah
Jilani. The F.I.R. was lodged against the persons who raised anti-India and
pro-Pakistan slogans after his death on 1st September.
In view of improving law and order situation in the state, tourism would
also augment which would create jobs for local Kashmiris. This year on
Independence Day a hundred feet Indian national flag was hoisted at Hari Parbat
Fort, Lal Chowk, and several other places. Hoisting of tricolour in Srinagar at
many places is a proof that peace and tranquillity is returning back in the
valley.
The government has adopted a multi-faceted approach. On one hand several
infrastructure as well as industrial projects are being established in the
state which is generating employment and would bring prosperity in the state.
On the other hand, security agencies have adopted a stern approach towards
terrorism and terrorists are regularly exterminated. Hence peace and normalcy
is coming in the valley and it is welcomed by the masses. Now government should
also make efforts so that Kashmiri Pandits can return in the valley.
Taliban terror in Kabul might have
spill overs in J&K
Nevertheless, government should be careful as Taliban has more or less
won Afghanistan and according to intelligence reports about 8,000 terrorists of
L-e-T and Jaish-e-Mohammed were fighting in Afghanistan along with Taliban. Now
these Pakistan trained terrorists would be free in Afghanistan and ISI would
try to infiltrate them in India especially in J&K. The security agencies
should enhance vigil on the borders and should also try to settle ex-service
men as well as retired personnel of Central Police Organisations on the borders
as they would be helpful in stopping the infiltration of terrorists.
(Jai Kumar Verma is
a Delhi-based strategic analyst and member of United Services Institute of
India and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The views in
the article are solely the author’s.)
Aviation & Defence Universe
WE JUST REPORT FACTS, WE DO NOT CHANGE
THEM
Hizbul
Commander Riyaz Naikoo’s Extermination Is A Step Forward To Peace In J&K
New
Delhi. 10 May 2020. It was
news which might be the announcement of the advent of a new era in
J&K , when the security forces exterminated Riyaz Naikoo a top
commander of Hizbul Mujahedeen (HM) in a fierce encounter. On the night of 5
May the police received confirmed information that Riyaz Naikoo was hiding in
his native village Beighpora, Awantipora hence a cordon and search operation
was launched.
The Jawans of 55 Rastriya
Rifles, Special Operations Group of J &K police and 185 battalion of
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched the operation at Beighpora. In
past Naikoo escaped during the encounters, hence this time security forces took
adequate precautions. All entry and exit points of the village were sealed.
Mobile internet services were suspended and even calling on Jio network was
also blocked so that various social networking groups of Inter Services
Intelligence (ISI) and its agents do not work. The gun-battle started from the
night of 5 May and continued on 6th May when security forces successfully gunned down Naikoo and his
two accomplices.
According to intelligence agencies, ISI has created more than 300
WhatsApp groups and each group has about 300 persons and at the moment security
forces surround any terrorist, ISI or their agents send information on all these
groups and within no time few thousand stone-pelters gather and hinder the
operations. Most of the stone pelters are not innocent children but are paid
agents of ISI and separatists. However, this time stone-pelters got the
information but after the security forces eliminated the top Hizbul commander.
Heavy stone pelting was done at Beighpora, Gulzarpora, Charsoo, Padgampora and
nearby areas. The stone-pelters also tried to damage the vehicles of security
forces but security forces used minimum of force and used teargas shells to
disband the mob.
Naikoo became the commander of banned Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) after the
killing of HM commander Burhan Wani who was killed by security forces in an
encounter on 8 July 2016. Naikoo who was a mathematics teacher before
joining terrorism was A++ category of terrorist and had a prize money of Rs.12
lakh on his head. He was dare-devil and came to limelight when he fired shots
from Kalashnikov rifle in the funeral procession of Shariq Ahmad Bhat a HM
terrorist who was killed by security forces in encounter at Naina village in
Pulwama District on 20 January 2016. Shariq Ahmad was resident of Brow Bandana
village in Awantipora district. Arms and ammunition including one AK 47 rifle
was recovered from the site of encounter. His two accomplices escaped from the
encounter place. Naikoo by firing in the funeral of a slain terrorist revived
the old tradition of firing at the funeral of the killed terrorist.
Riyaz Naikoo, released a video and sent it to different media houses for
the circulation. The video was a publicity stunt prepared by HM at the
instructions of ISI. It justifies the armed struggle by diverse terrorist
outfits in the valley. The video alleges that Kashmir is under illegal
occupation of Indian forces and they are perpetrating atrocities on Kashmiri
masses. The video also mentions that Kashmiri Pandits have full right to live
in Kashmir. He also claimed that Burhan Wani was a mass leader and he was not a
terrorist. Anything to justify their militant activities.
The difficulties of Imran government has considerably heightened because
of spread of coronavirus. The health sector is totally neglected in Pakistan
and it is expected that the death toll will be substantially enhanced. Hence
ISI is trying to increase terrorist activities in Kashmir to detract public
attention from their day to day difficulties. In last one month about 22
security personnel including a decorated colonel and a major were martyred in the
valley. Although about 76 terrorists were killed in this year, but security
forces were under pressure to eliminate some top commander. The security forces
prepared the list of top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba,
Jaish-e-Mohamed and Al-Badr. The name of Riyaz Naikoo was at the top of the
list.
Riyaz Naikoo was tech savvy and deeply involved in misguiding and
recruiting Kashmiri youths. He entered the world of terrorism in 2012 and
since then was involved in several terrorist activities including attack on
security forces. After Zakir Rashid Bhat also known as Zakir Musa left HM and
constituted Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind which was an Al- Qaeda cell in India, Riyaz
Naikoo became the top commander of HM.
ISI created several terrorist organisations in the valley are carrying
out terrorist activities. The important outfits include Hizb-ul-Mujahideen
which means an organisation of holy warriors. HM was constituted in 1989 and it
is considered as the military wing of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). The Headquarters of
JI is in Muzaffarabad in POK and it converted the Kashmir conflict from
national issue to a religious issue and now HM activists are fighting Jihad in
Kashmir.
The other ISI supported terrorist outfit active in Kashmir is
Jaish-e-Mohammed (J-e-M) which was founded in 2000. J-e-M is Pakistan based
terrorist organisation which is fighting to merge whole Kashmir in Pakistan. It
has close relationship with Afghan Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
Lashkar-e-Toiba (L-e-T) is the biggest and most powerful terrorist
outfit in South Asia. L-e-T was founded in 1987 by Hafiz Saeed and Al Qaeda
Chief Osama bin Laden was the main financier of the outfit. Although officially
it is banned in Pakistan, but it is openly operative in the country and
collecting funds, running several terrorist camps and infiltrating terrorists
in India. The outfit gets full support from ISI and Pakistan army officers
serving and retired train the terrorists in L-e-T camps. Al-Badr was
constituted in June 1998 on behest of ISI which separated it from
Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. Its headquarter is at Mansehra, Pakistan and it operates in
J&K and involved in several terrorist activities.
The government is handling Kashmir problem under a long-term strategy. A
presidential decree was issued on 5 August and Article 370 was defanged,
Article 35A became redundant and the state was split into two union
territories. Government has also changed the policy and now terrorists who are
killed but not identified their bodies are not handed over to their families.
Now Centre has asked the TV channels that weather forecast should include POK
and Gilgit and Baltistan areas. TV channels will show all these areas as part
of India and it will serve a blunt message to Imran government that now India
is active, assertive and aggressive in Kashmir. Now India makes it clear that
Pakistan is in illegal possession of over 86,000 square KMs area in J&K.
This assertion is also important as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) is passes through Gilgit and Baltistan area which is in illegal
possession of Pakistan. It is a message to China too, that India is serious
about J&K and China must reconsider the passing of CPEC from Gilgit and
Baltistan area.
Security forces had also launched Operation All Out (OAO) . The basic object
of the operation is to flush out terrorists from J&K and under the
operation all security forces including Army, Central Reserve Police Force,
Border Security Force, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Intelligence Bureau and
Research & Analysis Wing will work together. The operation is giving
desired results and number of terrorists both local and foreign have dwindled
very fast. The security forces are also eliminating terrorists under operation
cordon and search. The government is moving in right direction and will get the
desired results. The public of J&K is also realising the futility of
terrorism and wants peace in the state. Pakistan’s deep state instead of
assisting terrorist outfits should devote time and resources in the progress of
the country.
Stop
Press : Mohammad Ashraf Khan alias
Ashraf Molvi has now become the new operational chief of Hizbul Mujahideen.
(Jai
Kumar Verma is a Delhi-based strategic analyst and a retired senior
intelligence officer. He is also member of United Services Institute of India
and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The views in the article are
solely the author’s. He can be contacted at editor.adu@gmail.com)
Home » Spotlight » Should India try to capture Pakistan Occupied Kashmir?
Should India Try To Capture Pakistan Occupied Kashmir?
By Jai Kumar Verma. On 11 January 2020 General Manoj Mukund Naravane, 28th Chief of Army Staff, stated that if government orders Indian army will take requisite steps to wrest Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). General Naravane took over from General Bipin Rawat on 31 December 2019. The army chief made this comment while addressing the customary press conference before the Army Day which falls on 15 January 2020. He also warned that Pakistan and China, which claim to be “all weather friends” may conspire against India.
In fact, General Naravane was referring parliamentary resolution of 1994 which clearly mentions that whole Jammu & Kashmir is integral part of India. In the press conference he also welcomed the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and of Department of Military Affairs.
The army chief was not the first person to mention about taking over of POK. The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing a large gathering in Haryana in August 2019, stated that India will start negotiations with Pakistan only when it stops abetting diverse terrorist outfits which are carrying out terrorist activities in India. He also made it clear that negotiations will only be on POK. The Defence Minister also reminded the statement given by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan that India is planning a bigger action than Indian air force action at Balakot.
On 26 December 2019 while addressing a rally at Jhelum, Imran Khan mentioned that the “fascist, racist” government of India “might do a false flag operation” to distract the public attention from Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens. These acts are not only anti-Muslim but there are huge protests against these acts.
Pakistani Prime Minister while speaking in National Assembly on 14 August also mentioned that according to intelligence reports India is planning a much bigger action in POK compared to Indian action in Balakot, where Indian fighter planes bombarded terrorist camps in Balakot on 26th February 2019. Although so far Pakistan government claimed that there was neither any casualty nor any damage to the buildings by the bombings of Indian air force planes.
However, Pakistan authorities cordoned the entire area and not allowed the media persons to visit Balakot for long time. Jaish-e-Mohammed was running a terrorist training camp at Balakot and Indian planes killed about 300 terrorists in the surgical strike. The surgical strike occurred after Pakistani trained terrorist carried out a bomb blast at Pulwama in which about 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were martyred.
Surgical strike in Balakot was significant as Indian Air Force planes bombarded terrorist camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is a province of Pakistan. India gave a bold message that if Pakistan continues with terrorist activities, India will attack and destroy terrorist camps in any part of the country.
In September 2016 Indian forces conducted a surgical strike in POK under which valiant Indian soldiers attacked seven launch pads in POK and slayed more than 40 Pakistanis. The killed Pakistanis included terrorists, their trainers and guides. The attack was so unexpected that Pakistanis could not react and all Indian army personnel after destroying the launch pads and killing Pakistanis returned back safely. Pakistan army took the stand that Indian army has not crossed the border, but the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif called it as “naked aggression”. Indian army also gave proofs of it surgical strike. Indian army conducted the surgical strike as Pakistan trained terrorists attacked Indian army camp at Uri on 18 September 2016 in which 19 soldiers were martyred.
Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy stated in August 2019 that after defanging of article 370, government should make efforts to get back POK. He also mentioned that after diluting of article 370 there is nothing to arbitrate in Kashmir and President Trump should tell Imran Khan that Pakistan should return POK to India. He also mentioned that the Parliament has already passed a resolution, when Narasimha Rao was prime minister, that India should take back POK.
Pakistan has waged a low intensity war against India, and it is running several terrorist training camps in the country. According to intelligence reports only in POK there are about 55 training camps. Few camps are run directly by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) while several camps are managed by ISI sponsored terrorist outfits mainly Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. In these camps terrorists are imparted training in handling of small arms, jungle warfare manufacture and use of improvised explosive devices. The training is given by Pakistan army personnel both serving and retired. Once the training is complete the trained terrorists are pushed in Kashmir to carry out terrorist activities. The intelligence sources claim that in 2019, ISI established 20 new training camps hence the number increased to 55 camps.
Pakistan is passing through a difficult phase as the economy of the country is shattered. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gave Pakistan only four months to adhere the conditions of FATF otherwise the country would be downgraded to ‘Blacklist’. The four months given by FATF would end in February 2020. The FATF members were very unhappy as Pakistan complied only five out of 27 points given by the global watch dog. If Pakistan is downgraded to ‘blacklist’ there will be immediate economic sanction, borrowing will become difficult and the aid package sanctioned by International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be difficult to access.
Pakistan army which is the most powerful institution in the country is also suffering from dissension. Lieutenant General Sarfaraz Sattar, second most-senior General after General Qamar Javed Bajwa was kept in house arrest as he criticised giving of three years extension to Pakistan army chief General Bajwa. Besides Lieutenant General Sarfaraz, there are six more senior army officers who showed their resentment on the extension of General Bajwa.
When India defanged article 370 in Kashmir, Imran Khan criticised India and wanted to take the issue in international forums. However, Pakistan got very little success in internationalising Kashmir issue. Pakistani public also considered it as the failure of the government. The terrorism in Kashmir is considerably reduced and the Indian security forces have successfully exterminated large number of terrorists. But Islamabad will neither demolish the training camps nor will stop infiltrating terrorists in India. These terrorist training camps function in temporary makeshift structures and even these camps are destroyed it is easy to reconstruct them or shift it to other places.
As ISI which is part of Pakistan Army is involved in training of the terrorists, if some terrorists die or infiltrated other terrorists join the camps. Same way if arms and ammunition are required they are replenished by the army. Hence India should make more surgical strikes to deter the terrorists, but ultimately Indian security forces have to safeguard the borders and exterminate the terrorists.
India must keep pressure on Pakistan in international field and should remain prepared for surgical strikes and in case Pakistan sponsored terrorists carry out some major terrorist activity Indian security forces must retaliate.
In fact, whole of Kashmir is an integral part of India and besides POK it also includes Gilgit, Baltistan and the portion of Kashmir given to China. India should wait for an opportune moment which may come soon as the economy of Pakistan is ruined, and religious extremism has increased so much that Sunnis are killing Shias and very soon different factions of Sunnis will fight among themselves. So the day does not seem far when India will fight successfully for its rightful claim to POK.
(Jai Kumar Verma is a Delhi-based strategic analyst and a retired senior intelligence officer. He is also member of United Services Institute of India and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The views in the article are solely the author’s. He can be contacted at editor.adu@gmail.com)
Aviation & Defence Universe
WE JUST REPORT FACTS, WE DO NOT
CHANGE THEM
Pakistan
Left Optionless After India’s Article 370 Jolt
By
Jai Kumar Verma
New
Delhi. 15 September 2019. Pakistan army as well as civilian government were caught
napping when on 5 August 2019 Modi government defanged Article 370. Pakistan
army which proclaims to be saviour of Pakistan and its ideology always claimed
that they will snatch Kashmir from India through covert operations.
The
poor Pakistani masses were spending large amount on the maintenance of defence
forces which are disproportionate to the size of the country. The ruling elite
of Islamabad always nurtured the masses with the slogans like “Kashmir Banega
Pakistan”, “Kashmir is the core issue” between India and Pakistan. The generals
and political leaders also claimed that “Kashmir is the unfinished agenda of
the partition”. By all these slogans army as well as civilian government
inculcated an impression in the masses that after some time Kashmir will merged
in Pakistan.
The
army also cultivated phoney impression in the country especially in Pakistani
Punjab that Sikhs are very unhappy in India and soon it will be disintegrated
and a new country with the name of Khalistan will be created. The hardliners proclaimed that dismemberment
of India and creation of Khalistan will be Pakistan’s revenge of 1971 in which
Bangladesh was created.
Hence
when India revoked the special status of Jammu & Kashmir and announced that
J&K is no longer a bilateral issue it came as a jolt to Pakistan. A big
industry was flourishing in Pakistan on the name of Kashmir while the army was
using it to keep its image high whereas the Islamic zealots were exploiting
Kashmir issue to hype anti-Hindu and anti-India sentiments. In last 70 years of
independence, Pakistan in 1947 raided Kashmir with tribesmen and the army,
while sent army under the garb of ‘infiltrators’ in 1965 and in Kargil in 1999.
Pakistan continued infiltrating Mujahedeen in India especially in Kashmir. Pakistan regularly observes “Kashmir
Solidarity Days”.
Once
India declared that J&K is not only part of India but there will be no
bilateral negotiations on it, as it is an internal matter of India, Pakistani
leaders issued threatening statements. Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote an
article in The New York Times in which he warned that Pakistan will explore all
options and will also take the issue of revocation of article 370 in
international forums including Security Council. Pakistan also threatened to
re-energise terrorists and according to a report Inter-Services Intelligence
(ISI) has already deputed 100 personnel of Border Action Team (BAT) to kidnap,
kill and mutilate Indian security personnel. Pakistan government is organising
demonstration on Pak Occupied Kashmir (POK) and also threatened to start Jihad
in the valley through Jaish-e- Mohammed, Lashker-e-Toiba and other terrorist
outfits.
Pakistan
through its lackeys is trying to instigate violence in the valley. Islamabad is
trying to play Muslim card to inflame violence not only in the valley but in
whole of India. However Indian Muslims whose forefathers have rejected two
nation theory have spurned the appeal of Pakistani leaders and the country
remained peaceful. However, the reaction of underlings of Pakistan in the
valley is still awaited as all restrictions are not lifted from the
valley.
China
helped Pakistan in taking the Kashmir issue in the UN Security Council in an
“informal” discussion in the developments in J&K. The UNSC refused to issue
any statement against India as four out of five permanent members except China
were of the view that it is a bilateral mater between India and Pakistan.
Donald Trump US President offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to
resolve Kashmir issue. But India made it clear that the Kashmir is a bilateral
issue and no mediation is required. It appears that Trump is desperate to reach
a negotiated settlement from Afghan Taliban so that US forces can return to
their homeland and Pakistan is assisting Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special
representative for Afghan reconciliation. Even Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah
Mehmood Qureshi threatened to take Kashmir issue to International Court of
Justice (ICJ). The jurists claim that ICJ has no jurisdiction on this issue.
Islamabad
has not only banned all cultural exchanges with India but also blocked all
joint ventures. Pakistan has not only downgraded diplomatic ties with India,
but Imran Khan also called his counterparts in numerous countries to press
India to rescind defanging of article 370. Imran Khan threatened the world
community that there can be a war between India and Pakistan which will be
disastrous as both countries possess nuclear warheads. He also made efforts to
blackmail the international fraternity by saying that Pakistan will not help in
peace negotiations in Afghanistan. But the world community refused to oblige
Pakistan and few countries openly supported India and claimed that it is an
internal matter of India while few nations mentioned that it is a bilateral
issue and India and Pakistan should solve it through negotiations.
Pakistan
got a jolt when Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) refused to help
Pakistan. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) which sometime back assisted Pakistan
with the financial assistance of $ 2 billion presented “Order of Zayed” the
highest civil decoration of the country to Narendra Modi.
Pakistan’s
offer of negotiations was rejected by India’s External Minister S. Jaishankar
in a recent interview in Brussels. He stated that as Pakistan “openly practises
terrorism” there is no use talking to it. India refused to negotiate with
Pakistan after Pakistan based terrorists attacked Indian Air Force station at
Pathankot in January 2016.
Pakistan
has left with very little options after India defanged article 370. The
hardcore India baiters have even suggested war with India but the army as well
as civilian leadership is aware that Indian forces are much stronger than
Pakistan hence there were very few takers of an attack on India. The other
option which hardliners are trying is to carry out a big terrorist attack in
India. It can be in J&K or in any other part of the country. But it is also
quite difficult as Indian forces are extremely alert and arrested several
terrorists and unearthed few arms caches. Just few days back J&K police
arrested three terrorists of J-e-M and recovered four AK-56 rifles and two
AK-47 riles along with magazines and live cartridges from a truck on specific intelligence.
However, ISI will certainly make all out effort to carry out a major terrorist
attack in India as it is essential to satisfy the common Pakistani.
Pakistan
should reconcile with the present scenario in J&K as the situation will not
be reversed. Hence Pakistan army should reduce its size and decrease the
excessive money spent on its maintenance. The army should also stop interfering
in security and foreign policy of the country and should leave these issues on
elected government. If ISI stop abetting diverse terrorist outfits which are
carrying out terrorist activities in India and Afghanistan and dismantle the
infrastructure to help terrorists, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) would
take the country out from grey list and it will improve the financial state of
the country. The excessive amount spent on army and carrying out terrorist
activities in neighbouring countries can be utilised in the progress of the
country. It is a golden opportunity when Pakistan can be out from the obsession
of Kashmir and the meagre resource of the country can be utilised in welfare of
the poor countrymen.
(Jai
Kumar Verma is a Delhi-based strategic analyst and member of United Services
Institute of India and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The views in
the article are solely the author’s. He can be contacted at
editor.adu@gmail.com
AGNI
STUDIES iN iNTERNATIONAL sTRATEGIC
iSSUES
FORUM FOR STRATEGIC & SECURITY
STUDIES
Balakot Airstrike Signified A Major Shift In Policy : Its Implications
For India And Its Neighbours?
Jai Kumar Verma
Indian Airforce
planes entered Pakistan airspace on February 26 and destroyed the terrorist
camp at Balakot, which is situated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Before Operation Bandar
Indian Army also entered in Pakistan
Occupied Kashmir (POK) and smashed seven launch pads on 28- 29 September 2016.
However, at that time Indian army entered in POK which Pakistan accepts as
disputed territory while Balakot is in one province of Pakistan. ISI created J-e-M carried out a lethal attack on the convoy of
CRPF on 14 February 2019 at Pulwama in which 40
CRPF Jawans were martyred. IAF took revenge through operation Bandar of the
killing of CRPF soldiers at Pulwama. About 200 to 350 J-e-M terrorists, trainers and commanders were
exterminated in the airstrike. India withdrew
MFN status from Pakistan which was accorded in 1996. The airstrike has obliterated Pakistan’s threat of
use of nuclear warheads in case of any attack from India. Pakistan’s standing
in world has considerably downgraded while India got support from several world
powers. Balakot airstrike has
bilateral, regional and international repercussions. If Pakistan continues with low-intensity war
against India, Delhi should also extend diplomatic and moral assistance to
disgruntled ethnic groups in Pakistan including Balochis, Sindhis, Pashtuns,
Muhajirs, Saraikis, Hindkowans, Chitralis and Shia Muslims of Gilgit and
Baltistan.
Pakistan has
launched a low intensity war against India and the Inter-Services Intelligence
(ISI) has created several terrorist outfits, which are carrying out terrorist
activities in various parts of India especially in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan
sponsored terrorist activities include, a daring attack on our Parliament in
2001, serial bomb blasts in capital city of Delhi in 2005, bomb blasts at
temple city of Varanasi in 2006, terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008 and 2011.
Hundreds of innocent Indian citizens were killed while several security forces
personnel were martyred. Indian government issued stern warnings to Pakistan,
but no worthwhile action was taken against Islamabad and it emboldened the
military controlled ISI.
Pakistan
trained terrorists attacked on Pathankot Air Force Station on 2 January 2016
and on 18 September 2016 four terrorists of Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed (J-e-M)
and Lashkar-e-Toiba (L-e-T) attacked Indian army camp at Uri in J&K. The
terrorists were equipped with AK 47 rifles, grenade launchers and hand
grenades. They were Pakistani citizens and were trained in terrorist camps in
Pakistan. In the terrorist attack at Uri, 19 valiant soldiers were martyred,
and all four terrorists were exterminated.
The killing of
19 brave soldiers at Uri shook the nation and there was strong demand of some
punitive action against our western neighbour. The government at the highest
level took the decision and within 15 days of Uri attack 200 intrepid soldiers
of Indian army entered in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and smashed 7 launch
pads on 28- 29 September 2016. The Indian army killed more than 40 Pakistanis
including guides, terrorists, their trainers which included Pakistan army
personnel both serving and retired. The guides play an important role in
infiltration of the terrorists. These guides are residents of border villages
and have complete knowledge of the topography of the area including hiding
places, infiltration places etc. Guides are important assets of intelligence
organisations as without them infiltration is not feasible. (1)
Government of
India made it clear that the surgical strike was not against Pakistan army but
was a defensive action to counter the terrorists. India had confirmed
intelligence that terrorists were waiting at the launch pads to enter in India.
The surgical strike enhanced the moral of country as well as of security forces
because they took revenge of martyrdom of their colleagues. The differences
between Nawaz Sharif government and Pakistan army also came to surface as civilian
government accepted about the surgical strike while Pakistan army outrightly
rejected infiltration of Indian army. Pakistan army which considers itself as
the saviour of the country, knew very well that it cannot take revenge of the
attack of Indian army as India does not have terrorists camps. Attack on army
or civil installation will be an act of war and Indian army is much stronger
than Pakistan army. (1)
Deadliest Attack
on CRPF convoy at Pulwama
The surgical strike carried out by Indian army on 29
September 2016 could not deter the rogue intelligence agency ISI created Jaish-e-Mohammed (J-e-M). It carried out a lethal
attack on the convoy of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on 14 February 2019. The suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar nicknamed as Waqas Commando of
Gundibagh collided his car loaded with approximately 80 KGs of explosives with
a bus which was a part of CRPF convoy. The RDX explosive, which is also known
as military grade explosive and is available only with defence forces was used
in the attack. In this ghastly act 40 CRPF personnel were martyred. The ill-fated
bus was part of CRPF convoy, which was going from Jammu to Srinagar. As the
Jammu-Srinagar Highway was opened after few days the convoy had about 75
vehicles and approximately 2500 persons. The traffic of locals was not
prohibited at that time hence the suicide bomber rammed explosives laden car
with CRPF bus at about 1500 hours on 14 February 2019 at Lethipora in Pulwama
district. Although the suicide bomber was alone in the vehicle, but he was
supported by several others. After some time, the security forces in a daring
encounter have eliminated his accomplice who provided the car and also
exterminated the organiser of this horrifying act. Security forces also arrested
few other support agents and they were thoroughly interrogated. (2)
The mastermind of Afghan style Pulwama attack was
Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, younger brother of Masood Azhar Chief of
Jaish-e-Mohammed. Masood Azhar is seriously ill and at present he is admitted
in Military hospital Rawalpindi where a bomb exploded in third week of June
2019. Rauf is operational head of J-e-M and was also deeply involved in the
hijacking of Indian Airlines plane in December 2019. It appears that Rauf
briefed the J-e-M terrorists to carry out terrorist attack on the pattern of
Afghanistan on behest of ISI. The negotiations between US representative and
Afghan Taliban are going on and the possibility that US led forces leave
Afghanistan and Taliban come to power cannot be ruled out. In that case ISI
will infiltrate more Afghan terrorists to carryout terrorist activities in
India. India stepped up diplomatic efforts of isolating Pakistan after Pulwama
attack, and Indian Foreign Secretary met envoys of United Nations, P-5 and 25
other countries and explained them about the shady role of Pakistan. (2)
Attack on CRPF convoy at Pulwama was not the
handiwork of one person, it was carried out after much planning and preparations.
Adil Ahmad who was the suicide bomber was imparted psychological training and
he was completely radicalised. His handlers were directing him from Pakistan,
and he was vigorously trained by them. (7)
The security forces also enhanced the hunt of
terrorists of J-e-M. Lt. General K J S Dhillon General Officer Commanding of
the Srinagar based Chinar Corps told in a press conference that the security
forces have successfully eliminated 18 terrorists out of which 14 belonged to
J-e-M. He claimed that J-e-M second-in command Mudasir Khan who planned Pulwama
attack was also killed. Out of 18 terrorists 10 were Kashmiris while 8 were
Pakistanis. (3)
Airstrike on
terrorist camp at Balakot
However, these actions were not sufficient, and the
common people wanted some retaliatory actions against Pakistan. The present
government had already abandoned the policy of ‘strategic restraint’ and
adopted ‘muscular’ policy. The general elections were also just around the
corner hence government was bound to take some stern actions. Hence IAF
launched Operation ‘Bandar’ under which first time after 1971 war, Indian Air
Force (IAF) planes entered Pakistani air space in early hours of 26 February to
demolish the terrorist training camps.
The IAF planes targeted terrorist training camps not in Pakistan
Occupied Kashmir (POK) which Pakistan admits a disputed territory but IAF
planes destroyed J-e-M main terrorist training camp at Balakot in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa which is a province in Pakistan. India claimed that it was an intelligence-based
non-military pre-emptive air-strike against J-e-M terrorist camp, as the IAF
planes targeted terrorist camp and not any Pakistan military installation.
India also made it clear that there were confirmed intelligence inputs that large
number of J-e-M terrorists gathered at Balakot and were contemplating more
terrorist attacks in India. (4)
IAF deployed twelve Mirage-2000 fighter jets which
have speed of Mach 2.2 and were equipped with high calibre radar and precision
guided missiles. Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jets and early warning Israeli Phalcon and
indigenously built Netra were kept ready for action. Air power will play vital
role in future India Pakistan conflicts especially while handling Pakistan
sponsored terrorism in India. (7)
IAF Mirage 2000 aircraft used, Popeye precision
guided air-to-surface missiles and Israeli Spice 2000 bombs which work with
complete accuracy. An IAI Heron UAV and two IIYushin II-78 aerial refuelling
aircraft were also used. Besides Spice-2000, fighter jets were also equipped
with Crystal Maze. Spice 2000 bombs are designed to penetrate into the building
and then explode while Crystal Maze were equipped to photograph and send the
video of the target hit by the bombs. Nevertheless, the Crystal Maze were
ineffective because of the cloudy weather.
Four SU-30 MKIs were launched from an airbase in
Punjab and flown towards Jodhpur and on to Barmer before turning towards J-e-M
Headquarters located in Bahawalpur. These four planes worked as decoys and were
successful in drawing attention of PAF fighters. Indian planes returned
unharmed and Pakistan’s F-16 jets could not engage Indian jets.
IAF successfully gave strategic surprise to
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and although it was expecting retaliation from India,
but it could not take any action against Indian planes due to pinpointed
intelligence, expertise, skill and cleverness of Indian pilots. The surprise
element was so much that PAF planes although scrambled from eight places, but
they became active, ten minutes after Indian planes returned back. The IAF
pilots could not utilise all the bombs and missiles carried by them due to
inclement weather, but they successfully hit five out of six designated
targets. Although about 6000 defence personnel were involved but complete
secrecy was observed, and the top air force officers continued with their daily
routine, so no suspicion arose about the operation Bandar.
Although Pakistan army refuted Indian army claim of
first surgical strike, but this time accepted that IAF planes entered Pakistan
Air space and dropped bombs in forests and returned back hurriedly without causing
any causality or damage. Major General Asif GhafoorPakistan’s
Director-General Inter-Services
Public Relations (ISPR) told in a press conferencethat
on February 26 three teams of IAF were seen approaching Pakistani borders. When
PAF planes challenged IAF planes, two teams had not entered Pakistani airspace
while third team crossed the border from Kiran Valley but returned back within
three minutes. Pakistani spokesperson further claimed that Indian planes
returned releasing the payloads and fuel dump in desert area without causing
any damage.
Arun Jaitley the then Finance Minister gave two
reasons for Pakistan’s denial about any loss or damage by Indian aerial attack.
Firstly, Pakistan army had created a big aura about its chivalry hence it
cannot accept IAF planes entered its airspace bombed and went back. Secondly if
it accepts the damage then it had to show to the world the damage and the
impartial international media would ask numerous questions which will confirm
the presence of terrorist camp.
The bombs destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed Madrassa Taleem
ul-Quran in Balakot managed by Masood Azhar’s brother-in-law Muhammad Yusuf
Azhar. A 2004 United States Department of Defence report confirms that Balakot
had a training camp where basic as well as advance training was imparted on use
of explosives to the terrorists. Indian intelligence sources claim that a
terrorist training camp was situated at a hilltop forest which is about 20 KMs
from Balakot. In the camp there were large number of J-e-M terrorists, their
trainers, senior J-e-M Commanders, at the time of aerial attack. About 200 to
350 J-e-M terrorists, trainers and commanders were exterminated. Although
Pakistan claimed that there were no casualties and no damage to the
infrastructure but according to National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO),
there were approximately 300 active mobile phones in Balakot just before its
destruction. The NTRO which was established in 2004 is a technical intelligence
agency which works directly under Prime Minister’s office. National Institute
of Cryptology Research and Development is also part of NTRO. The villagers
confirmed that bombs were exploded in the area. Pakistan military twice postponed the visits
of journalists at Balakot and ISPR took select journalists on 29th March to the site
of attack. At the time of visit of journalists about 375 students were studying
in Madrassa. The journalists were allowed to meet, talk and photograph these
students. However, the whole exercise which was completed after a month was
planned and managed in such a way that the journalists could not get the
impartial idea of the damages caused by Indian bombings. The analysts ask if
there was no damage why the visit of journalists was postponed twice, and they
were taken after a month. Reuters journalists were stopped thrice within nine
days to reach near the site. Pakistan army had cordoned off the area and dead
bodies were buried clandestinely. (9)
The Indian officials analysed the images of
Balakot terrorist camp before and after the aerial attack through synthetic
aperture radar (SAR). The images clearly showed that four buildings were
destroyed in the attack. The images also showed that destroyed buildings were
repaired and corrugated galvanized iron (CGI) sheets which were damaged were
either repaired or changed. The Indian authorities showed these images to
journalists who confirmed about the holes in the roof which were caused by
SPICE bombs. (9)
Abdul Rauf Rasheed Alvi brother of Masood Azhar
stated in a rally of J-e-M at Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on 28 February that Indian
planes attacked at J-e-M headquarters at Balakot and they will take revenge of
it.
In the camp hundreds of J-e-M terrorists were
trained to work as suicide bombers in India particularly in J&K. In J-e-M
run Madrassas including Balakot, the Jihadists are given heavy dose of
distorted form of Islam and they were taught that Jihad is important for
Muslims and if they will be killed, they will directly go to Jannat (Heaven)
and will get everything which is scarce in the country.
Pakistan threatened that air attack will be avenged
very soon and next day Pakistan Air Force (PAF) planes intruded Indian
airspace. IAF planes chased PAF planes and in the dogfight one Indian Mig 21
was fallen in Pakistani territory and its pilot Wg Cdr
Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistani nationals. Indian planes
also chased and downed an F-16 but Pakistan denied this as the country bought
F-16s from USA to use them only for counterterrorism and defensive purposes. Hence
use of F-16 for attacking Indian installations was breach of end-use pledges.
Pakistan has also purchased 13 F-16s from Jordan and Pakistan might have used
one out of these 13 F-16s. The debris of F-16 had fallen in Pakistan hence the
details are not available to India. India was sure about the use of F-16s as
PAF planes used AMRAAM missiles which are used by
F-16s. Pakistan had to return Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman within 60 hours due
to intense pressure from foreign powers including United States, Saudi Arabia
and United Arab Emirates. United States which want to wriggle out from
Afghanistan because of internal pressure is utilising the services of Islamabad
for negotiating with Taliban. ISI has a good hold over Afghan Taliban as they
have bases in Pakistan and gets full support from ISI. Hence US cajoled Saudi
Arabia and UAE to press Pakistan to release Indian pilot. Pakistan received
massive financial assistance from both these countries. Adel al Jubeir State
Minister of Saudi Arabia shuttled in the area on behest of Saudi Crown Prince,
while UAE Crown Prince had telephonic discussions with Indian and Pakistani
Prime Ministers. It was a big victory of Indian diplomacy. Unfortunately,
Pakistani pilot of F-16 who was fallen in Pakistan territory was caught and
killed by their own countrymen as they thought him to be an Indian pilot.
(4)
All Indian planes returned back safely, and
Pakistani planes could not attack any defence installation, fuel storage site
or ammunition depot. Russians must be happy to know that MiG 21 of 1970-1980
vintage successfully shot down F-16 fitted with latest AMRAAM missiles.
However, it is unfortunate to see that the modernisation of IAF fighter planes
is delayed from last two decades.
Withdrawal of MFN status
There were strong reactions of Pulwama attack and
both Prime Minister and Home Minister pledged to retaliate this cowardly act.
India which gave Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan in 1996 was
withdrawn. The custom duty was raised to 200 percent on all goods imported from
Pakistan. Pakistan had not reciprocated and refrained from according MFN status
to India. The MFN status was accorded to protect non-discriminatory trade
practices and both countries were importing and exporting goods of all kinds
except the banned items. Pakistan exports to India is only $454 million, while
India’s exports are $ 1.8 billion. Hence the total legal trade between both the
countries is only $2 billion which is minuscule in view of the economies of
both the countries. Secondly the legal trade between India and Pakistan is
stationary to $2 billion dollars from last two decades while trade of India
with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is enhancing steadily. In view of strained
relations between both the countries, the informal trade between India and
Pakistan occur through Dubai, Singapore, Iran etc. Besides the informal trade,
there is also illegal trade between both the countries. According to analysts
the total legal, informal and illegal trade between both the countries may be
between $10 to $12 billion. (8)
Balakot
Airstrike is a major change in India’s policy
Balakot
airstrike is also a major change in India’s policy in dealing cross-border
terrorism. During Kargil War in 1999 IAF was under strict instructions not to
cross the Line of Control (LoC). Same way there was very limited intrusions on
land borders. In 2016 Indian forces entered in POK and that was also a major
decision but attack on Balakot was a milestone decision as it made it clear that
Indian forces can attack anywhere in Pakistan if cross-border terrorism
continues. India has also changed its policy, previously terrorists were
hurting us, and we were bearing the pain but now India has decided that we will
hit back militarily. Hence our posture has changed from defensive to offensive
in case Pakistan sponsored terrorists attack us. (6)
Airstrike at Balakot terrorist camp was a landmark action against
cross-border terrorism as Indian planes penetrated inside Pakistan and
destroyed a terrorist camp which was located in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa province. The airstrike has obliterated
Pakistan’s threat of use of nuclear warheads in case of any attack from India. Balakot airstrike has raised the expectations
of Indian masses, that in case of a major terrorist attack by Pakistan
sponsored terrorists, Indian security forces would attack and destroy their
training centres. On the other hand, it also gave a blunt and candid message
that if ISI sponsored terrorist outfits will carry out terrorist activities in
India, our forces will enter in Pakistan territory and will punish the
perpetrators. (6)
Pakistan
incurring losses because of airspace closure
Pakistan
which is passing through an economic crisis is suffering heavy losses because
of the closure of airspace. According to an estimate about 400 flights a day
are affected by the airspace closure and Islamabad is losing about $100 million
dollars. The flights include both Pakistani as well as of foreign carriers.
Closure of airspace increased operational and maintenance costs, fuel
expenditure and enhanced duty hours for the aircrew. The total losses of Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have already
crossed $100 million. Few foreign airlines have also suspended their operations
because of the closure of airspace. (11)
Pakistan’s Sullied International Image
Pakistan’s international image is that diverse
Jihadi outfits are operative in the country and the training is imparted to
terrorists and several terrorist outfits are supported and financed by ISI. The
country is financially bankrupt and survives on financial assistance rendered
by friendly countries as well as financial institutions. Recently Saudi Arabia,
United Arab Emirates, China and Qatar gave financial assistance to Pakistan.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) also promised $ 6 billion to Pakistan albeit
on more stringent terms. Islamabad also take financial assistance from World
Bank and Asian Development Bank. The international community is aware that
although there is a façade of democracy, but the real power lies in the hands
of Pakistan army. Army controlled ISI disseminates religious fanaticism in the
neighbouring countries. The reprobate intelligence outfit sheltered Al Qaeda
Chief Osama bin Laden for several years. (5)
Pakistan
standing in world has considerably dwindled while India got support from several
world powers. Saudi Arabia and UAE both condemned attack on security forces at
Pulwama and they denounced terrorism. Indian external Affairs Minister was
invited to speak in foreign ministers meeting of Organisation of Islamic
Conference (OIC) and the objection raised by Pakistan was over-ruled. China
which had not condemned Mumbai attack of 2008 condemned Pulwama attack. The
Russia-India-China (RIC) foreign minister’s meeting communique was quite
stringent on terrorism. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has put
Islamabad in ‘grey list’ and it is inching towards ‘blacklist’. India has
emerged as a big economic power with huge market potential hence several world
powers want to have close relations with India. However, China which considers
India as its potential adversary assists Pakistan as it creates trouble in
India. As India is strengthening its relations and purchasing defence equipment
from United States, Russia is also supplying arms & ammunition to Islamabad.
On 2 July 2019 Russian Ground Forces commander in Chief, Army General Oleg
Salyukov met Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa at the Pakistan
Army headquarters. Both the generals agreed about enhancing joint military ties
between the defence forces of Pakistan and Russia. The generals also discussed
about cooperation in training and security. The Russian general also
appreciated Pakistan army’s successes against terrorism. Pakistan is the only
nuclear equipped Muslim country in the world hence Muslim countries also like
to have cordial relations with Islamabad. (6 &14)
Balakot Airstrike: Regional & International Implications
Balakot airstrike has bilateral,
regional and international repercussions.
Bilaterally Pakistan which never expected that Indian planes will enter Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa stated that though Indian planes entered up to Balakot but could
not damage anything and there was no casualty. Prime Minister Imran Khan held
an emergency cabinet meeting and three cabinet ministers talked to media to
counter Indian claims and to convince Pakistani masses that Indian planes could
not do any damage. They claimed that although there was no damage, but Pakistan
has to avenge Indian airstrike as it violated Pakistan airspace. (12)
The
neighbouring countries which are suffering from terrorism originating from
Pakistan must be happy because of Indian airstrike at Balakot terrorist camp.
Afghanistan which is the worst sufferer of Pakistan sponsored terrorism must have
welcomed the audacious Indian retaliation of Pulwama terror attack. The ISI is
openly assisting Gulbuddin Hekmatyar group to destabilise the present lawful
government of Afghanistan. Kabul always pressed New Delhi to take aggressive
step against Pakistan. (12)
China,
which is an all-weather friend of Pakistan, is also suffering from terrorism
emanating from Pakistan. Few Muslim extremist organisations operating in
Pakistan are assisting Uyghur Muslims residing in
Xinjiang region of China. Multiple secessionist groups of Uyghur Muslims are
getting financial assistance, training and shelter in Pakistan. Few Muslim
terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan also support Uyghur secessionists
through Pakistan. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) “condemned” India’s
airstrike on Balakot. (12)
Iran being a Shia
Country also suffers from the terrorist attacks from Pakistan territory. Few
Sunni terrorist outfits on behest of Saudi Arabia carryout terrorist activities
in Iran. On 13 February 2019 Jaysh al Adl (Army of Justice) took the
responsibility of the terrorist attack on a bus carrying Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) personnel in Iran’s Sistan-Balochistan
province. In the attack 27 persons were killed while 18 were injured. It was
the third attack in a month. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei blamed
Sunni terrorist outfits for these terrorist activities. The Jaysh al -Adl
outfit was established in 2012 to protect the rights of Sunnis in Iran. The
outfit is getting full support from diverse Sunni extremist organisations
operating in Pakistan. The Sunni terrorists take refuge in Pakistan before and
after terrorist attacks in Iran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan
Ambassador in Iran and not only conveyed Iran’s displeasure but also stated
that Pakistan must control the terrorist outfits operating from its territory.
The powerful IRGC commander stated on 19 February 2019 that the suicide
attacker was a Pakistani and his accomplices who were arrested were also
Pakistan national. Hence Iran must have welcomed Indian airstrike at Balakot. (13)
India
briefed diplomats about Balakot Air Strike
Vijay Keshav
Gokhale Indian Foreign Secretary briefed the diplomats of
United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Australia, Turkey and
six ASEAN countries about the Balakot airstrike. Indian diplomatic missions
also briefed the Foreign Offices of the countries of their assignment.
The
international reaction was in India’s favour. Australia condemned attack on
CRPF convoy at Pulwama and asked Islamabad to take stringent actions against
terrorist outfits operating from Pakistan. France asked both countries to
exercise restraint but mentioned that it supports Indian actions against
terrorism. It also asked Pakistan to adopt measures so that terrorists fail to
use its territory. Mike Pompeo United States Secretary of State called India’s
airstrike as “counter-terrorism action” and reiterated about US-India ties.
Most of the countries including China stated that both the countries should
exercise restraint and take actions so that the situation in the region remains
peaceful and mutual relations are improved. (9) Top of
Form
WAY FORWARD
India gave a
straight-forward message through Balakot airstrike that if Pakistan will
continue abetting terrorist activities in the country Delhi will not shy away
from destroying terrorist camps well within Pakistan. However, the chances,
that Islamabad will stop training, assisting and infiltrating terrorists in
India because of Balakot surgical strike is remote. India must be ready for
another strike well within Pakistan and its retaliation by Islamabad. However,
the analysts claim that the surgical strikes at Balakot had an impact on
Pakistan and the infiltration is reduced.
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai stated in Lok
Sabha on 9 July 2019 that consequent upon the airstrike at Balakot the
infiltration from Pakistan is reduced by 43 percent and the security situation
is also improved. The minister also mentioned that government is perusing the
policy of zero tolerance. (15)
Pakistan’s investment in the low-intensity
conflict (LIC) is very little in comparison to India hence it
will not stop it. India should adopt the measures so that the expenditure of
Islamabad also enhances. There are several ethnic groups in Pakistan including Punjabis,
Balochis, Sindhis, Pashtuns, Muhajirs, Saraikis, Hindkowans, Chitralis and Shia
Muslims of Gilgit and Baltistan. All these nationalities are disgruntled
because of excessive domination and exploitation by Punjabis. In 1971 Bengali
dominated East Pakistan revolted against Punjabi control and exploitation and
separated from Pakistan. Unfortunately, Islamabad blames India for
disintegration of the country. Hence instead of reforming its system the army
pledges to split India and sinister ISI which works directly under the control
of army has either created or assisting diverse terrorist outfits which are
carrying out terrorist activities in India. Punjabi controlled army which
usurps large section of budget should change its attitude and instead of
carrying ill-will against India should work for the progress of the country. India
is a peaceful country and does not want to interfere in the internal matters of
any country but if Islamabad continues helping terrorist outfits, Delhi should
also think of rendering moral & diplomatic assistance to secessionist
elements in Pakistan.
Proportionately the size of defence forces in
Pakistan is much higher in comparison to the size of the country. Government
must reduce the number of defence force personnel and the money saved can be
utilised in the development of the country.
One or two surgical strikes will not deter
Pakistan and it will not discontinue infiltrating terrorists hence India must
enhance vigil on the borders. Besides strengthening the security forces more
and more electronic gadgets should be used so that the infiltration can be
curbed.
India should try to convince the world that
Pakistan is a terrorist state and it is training terrorists of several
countries. Hence the world at large should put some restrictions and economic
sanctions on the country so that the rulers change their mindset.
Pakistan because of world pressure want to
start process of peaceful negotiation with India. Prime Minister Imran Khan
sent letters to Indian Prime Minister for meeting and start of negotiations but
in all the letters he mentioned about the peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue.
Kashmir issue is not only very complicated but both countries have complete
contrary stands hence Kashmir issue cannot be resolved so easily. First of all,
both countries must work on confidence building measures and Kashmir issue should
be touched later. But as Pakistan want to use the proposal for negotiations
only for international propaganda, Imran Khan is writing letters and requesting
for negotiations. Hence India should not dilute its stand that talks, and terror
cannot go together. Pakistan must arrest the terrorist leaders like Hafiz
Saeed, Masood Azhar, Syed Mohammed Yusuf Shah, commonly known as Syed Salahudeen, and their accomplices. Islamabad
should also handover Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel and other members of ‘D’ company
before the start of meaningful negotiations.
India also needs to develop a separate secret force which is
capable to take action in foreign/enemy soil. Most of the powerful countries
possess these types of special forces, for example United States has SEALS,
United Kingdom has Special Air Service (SAS) which is an elite military unit,
Russia has Spetsnaz while Germany has GSG-9. If India wants to destroy
terrorist camps run by L-e-T or J-e-M, then a secret elite force is essential.
India can exterminate the hardcore terrorists as well as fugitives like Dawood
Ibrahim and his accomplices. (7)
Israelis have developed special capabilities and were able to
punish several culprits of the “Holocaust” of the Second World War. Israeli
Prime Minister Golda Meir also authorised Israeli intelligence organisation
Mossad to exterminate the members of Palestinian terrorist outfit namely Black
September as they assassinated 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team in 1972. Mossad
launched a covert Operation “Wrath of God” also known as Operation “Bayonet”
and eliminated all assassins.
Iranian have also this capability as they successfully killed
eight Pakistani soldiers and injured several others, as a revenge of the
terrorist attack from Pakistan in which 29 Iranian Revolutionary Guards were
killed. India must develop capabilities for counterstrikes’ in case of
terrorist attacks in India. These counter attacks will give a strong message
that the terrorist attacks will be retaliated, and the perpetrators of the
crime will be punished.
There are also reports that Mirage aircraft under Operation ‘Bandar’ could not discharge all the weapons at Balakot as the weapons
could not be fully integrated with old Mirage aircraft. Hence the Ministry of
Defence should send the old Mirage to France for upgradation and integration of
the weapons. The integration must be done more professionally as
non-integration may be dangerous at crucial juncture. However, it will be
dangerous as France will know about the details of weaponry. We may try the integration
of the weapons from the country from where the weapons are purchased. (10)
Internationally Western powers supported Indian
action and it was considered an action in self-defence. India also played its
cards well and successfully generated the goodwill. However, one has to be
careful if Pakistan assisted terrorist outfits again carryout terrorist
activity of Pulwama magnitude then India’s action will be important as the
masses in India will press for a stringent action and it will not be easy to
violate Pakistan’s territory every time. Hence security forces should be more
alert so that terrorists fail to carryout any major terrorist activity in the
country.
Notes and References
1.Jai Kumar Verma: Impact of surgical strike on
Pakistan: Kashmiri secessionist movement: AAKROSH; January 2019, Volume 21,
number 78.
2. Jai Kumar
Verma: Deadliest Attack on CRPF Convoy: Jaish Used Afghan Pattern; Dated
14.02.2019. Aviation & Defence Universe
(8) Rishika Pardikar: Pulwama Attack Fallout: MFN Status
Withdrawal and Its Impact on Thinning Trade With Pakistan: Dated February 22,
2019; News 18.com
(13)Lt. Col. (ret.) Michael Segall : Iranian-Pakistani
Tensions in the Wake of Terrorist Attacks; Jerusalem Centre for Public Affairs
Dated 19 February, 2019
A Perspective on, from and of interest to the region
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·
AUG 28
2019
India should guard against
terror, communal violence over Kashmir
Pakistan will try to
enhance terrorist activities not only in J&K but in all of India.
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence may activate and instruct its sleeper
cells to carry out terrorist activities in communally sensitive places so that
communal riots erupt in the country, writes J K Verma for South Asia Monitor
By J K VermaAUG
27, 2019
·
·
·
India's Home (Interior) Minister Amit Shah made the historic
announcement in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) on August 5 about
defanging Article 370 and abrogating Article 35 A of the Indian Constitution.
It was a major decision as, seven decades after India’s independence, the
special status of Jammu and Kashmir was scrapped and the state was divided into
two separate union territories. Now Indians residing outside J&K can also
purchase landed property and settle in the state.
The
government observed complete secrecy and took exhaustive precautions before
announcing these decisions. The strength of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
in J&K was considerably enhanced. Ajit Doval, the powerful national
security advisor, is minutely supervising the state law and order situation. He
stayed in Srinagar for several days and assessed the ground situation there.
The present chiefs of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and
Intelligence Bureau also stayed in the troubled state for several days and
assessed the pulse of the state. R&AW chief Samant Kumar Goel would have
assessed Pakistani reactions and its underhand plans to assist secessionists
and terrorists. Revoking Article 370 has severely jolted Islamabad.
Pakistan is the main perpetrator of terrorism in the state, and was assisting
terrorists and separatist elements with the help of these defunct Articles.
The threat by
separatists and state political leaders that the law and order situation within
the state will become uncontrollable proved wrong and the extra precautions and
well chalked out plans have given fruitful results. Slowly but steadily daily
life in the state is returning to normal. On August 20, the authorities relaxed
restrictions in 136 police stations out of a total 197 police stations in the
state. There are a total of 111 police station areas in the Valley, out of
which restrictions were relaxed in 50 police station areas. The barricades from
Lal Chowk in Srinagar were also removed. Attendance in schools and government
offices improved and services of more than 73,000 landline phones, out of a
total of 99,000 landline phones, were restored. Traffic on the roads was also
more or less normal. Most of the markets also functioned normally.
The incidents
of stone-pelting were considerably reduced. According to reports there were
about 200 stone-pelting incidents in the Valley while, in the rest of the
state, it was less than 30 from August 5 to 22. The state, including the
Valley, remains peaceful on all days except on Fridays. It appears that
separatists are in control of a few mosques, hence, after the Friday prayers,
more cases of stone pelting occur. Security forces have observed control
although, during stone pelting, more than 50 CAPF personnel were injured and 25
government vehicles damaged. The number is much less compared to demonstrations
and stone-pelting incidents after the killing of Burhan Wani, leader of the
Hizbul Mujahideen, in 2016.
Pakistan and
its supporters are trying to fan violence in the valley and spreading rumours
about stone-pelting, demonstrations, violence, use of cluster bombs and firing
by the security forces. Some people have criticised the curtailment of
democratic rights, but they kept quiet when the Hurriyat announced shut downs
on flimsy grounds.
Pakistan and
the secessionists are propagating that the BJP government has revoked these
articles with the ulterior motive of changing the demography of the state and
aim to convert it into a Hindu majority state. Hence, Muslims all across the
world must support Pakistan on the Kashmiri struggle and Muslims living in
other parts of India should resort to demonstrations and disturb law and order
situation in their areas. Pakistan will try to enhance terrorist activities not
only in J&K but in all of India. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence may
activate and instruct its sleeper cells to carry out terrorist activities in
communally sensitive places so that communal riots erupt in the country.
Besides
Pakistan, the separatists, leaders of mainstream political parties and several
other persons who reaped immense benefits from Article 370 and 35A will not sit
idle and will oppose the government with full force, once they are out of
detention. The leaders of opposition parties are also worried that the ruling
BJP is getting immense support all over India from this move. A 12-member
multi-party delegation of opposition leaders went to Srinagar on August 24 to
assess the situation on the ground. However, they were sent back from Srinagar
airport. Now more than 20 days have elapsed and there has been no major
untoward incident, but the security forces must remain vigilant as Pakistan and
their cronies will try to disrupt the peace in the Valley.
Nevertheless,
Indian security forces are capable of handling Pakistan-supported separatists
and extremists. The silent majority of J&K wants peace. The revocation of
these articles has been welcomed across India, including J&K.
(The writer
is a Delhi-based strategic analyst)
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Home » Spotlight » Pakistan
reacts expectedly to Indian government’s decision to reorganise J&K
Pakistan
Reacts Expectedly To Indian Government’s Decision To Reorganise J&K
By J
K Verma
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his trusted lieutenants Home Minister
Amit Shah & NSA Ajit Doval: The 3 men who changed the history of the Indian
subcontinent
New
Delhi. 08 August 2019. Announcement
of Reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir, Repealing of Articles 370 and
Abrogation of Article 35A by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi got the
expected response from Pakistan. Our neighbour got a strong jolt after Modi’s 5th August 2019, Monday morning roar in Indian Parliament. And it took
his Home Minister just two days to clear the decision with a majority ayes. And
his second trusted Lieutenant National Security Advisor Ajit Doval made it
possible by strategising the announcement with utmost secrecy, in a planned and
phased manner which only an intelligence man could do.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran
Khan after jittery statements chaired a meeting of the National Security
Committee at Prime Minister’s Office on 7th August which was attended by Foreign Minister, Defence Minister,
Interior Minister, Minister for Education, Minister for Human Rights, Minister
for KA&GB, Law Minister, Adviser Finance, CJCSC, COAS, CAS, V-CNS, SAPM on
Information, DG-ISI, DG-ISPR, Secretary Foreign Affairs and other senior
officers.
Prime Minister Imran Khan chairs meeting of the National Security
Committee at PM Office Islamabad on August 7, 2019
The official statement from the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s office
stated that the Committee decided to take some decisions. These were
downgrading of diplomatic relations with India, suspension of bilateral trade
with India, review of bilateral arrangements which meant downgrading of the
diplomatic ties by expelling Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria at Islamabad
and calling back their High Commissioner from New Delhi. In addition, the
statement said that the matter will be taken to the United Nations, including
the Security Council.
The statement ended with that the Independence Day this 14 August is to be
observed in solidarity with brave Kashmiris and their just struggle for their
right of self-determination. 15th August will be observed as Black Day. As if
it makes any difference to India.
Maleeha Lodhi Pakistan’s Ambassador to UN has started giving interviews
to the western media
In addition to the above five restrictions Islamabad has again partially
closed its airspace. Nevertheless, these measures are basically to satisfy the
domestic audience, Jihadists including anti India terrorist outfits and masses.
The impact of these measures is very limited. The legal bilateral trade between
both the countries is very less as major trade is through Dubai, Singapore and
other places. Taking the Kashmir issue in international forums including UN is
also of no consequences as Islamabad regularly raises Kashmir issue in UN, OIC
and other places. Downgrading of diplomatic ties, expulsion of Indian High
Commissioner or celebrating Independence Day as Kashmir Solidarity Day are
fruitless as for as India is concerned.
Well the fear is evident in Pakistan and more so in it’s Prime Minister.
Fear of loosing on the biggest agenda any elected government in Islamabad has –
Kashmir. Fear of getting a drubbing from the Pakistani Army which calls the
shots for the government. And fear that this decision will have permanent
repercussions on his political career.
Courtesy :
AFP
A day before the Pakistan Army had held a Corps Commanders’ Conference
presided by General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at
General Head Quarters (GHQ) on single point agenda of situation regarding
Kashmir.
On 5 August 2019 Modi led Bhartiya Janata Party fulfilled its old
promise of revocation of Article 370 and scrapping of Article 35A. Both these
articles gave special rights and privileges to the state and to its permanent
residents. In past there were amendments in Article 370 but Article 35A which
remained untouched was incorporated in Indian constitution in 1954 through a
Presidential order and it was not passed in parliament.
As anticipated Pakistan took very stringent view of revocation of these
articles. Pakistan army which considers itself as the saviour of Pakistan, gave
false hopes to the fanatic masses that they will snatch Kashmir from
India. Army also mentions that snatching of Kashmir will be Islamabad’s
revenge of disintegration of Pakistan and creation of Bangladesh. But rescinding
of Kashmir’s special status came as a jolt to Pakistan and it condemned India’s
action and warned to take requisite actions against India.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi Pakistan’s Foreign Minister
Imran Khan gave a veiled threat of war between two nuclear powers. Shah
Mehmood Qureshi Pakistan’s Foreign Minister stated that the action is against
“regional peace and tranquillity”. He also mentioned that he will visit China
and will apprise Beijing about India’s unilateral decision of making article
370 a dead letter and revoking article 35A.
US
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister
Imran Khan (L) in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on July
22, 2019. (Photo by Nicholas Kamm / AFP)
Actually, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was emboldened after US
President Donald Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir
issue. Trump made this offer when Imran Khan met him in White House in
Washington DC on 22nd July 2019. Trump also mentioned that he will love to
visit Pakistan. Although the official statement issued by White House after the
meeting has not mentioned anything about Kashmir. India emphatically mentioned
that Kashmir is an internal issue of India and it will be resolved bilaterally
between India and Pakistan.
At present US wants to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan and
negotiating with Taliban. US already requested Pakistan for assistance and
Islamabad which has considerable influence on Taliban is assisting in the
negotiations. It is the reason that President Trump offered for mediation and
also promised to release the aid.
Terrorists
under Pakistani security forces’ protection
Pakistan also enhanced the
infiltration and according to intelligence reports large number of terrorists
are waiting at the launching pads to be infiltrated. However Indian security
forces have increased the vigil and successfully eliminated seven infiltrators
of Special Services Group (SSG) in Karen sector on 3rd August as they were moving clandestinely inside Indian border with
malafide intention of killing Indian soldiers.
Before revocation of articles 370 and 35A the Indian security forces
took requisite safeguards. Besides enhancing the strength of CAPF Kashmiri
leaders like Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Sajjad Lone were arrested. In
few districts undeclared curfew was enforced while in some places Section 144
was imposed. The educational institutions were closed, and outstation students
and tourists were told to leave the state. Amarnath yatra and few other Yatras
were also suspended, riot control vehicles were stationed at sensitive places.
High alert was also issued in states like Utter Pradesh where miscreants can
start communal riots.
US Secy of
State Mike Pompeo and Indian Foreign Minister S Jai Shankar
India also took precautionary measures internally as well as in
international arena. Indian Foreign Secretary Vijai Gokhale briefed Ambassadors
of important countries including the five permanent members of United Nations
Security Council (UNSC) about the justification of revocation of these
articles. Foreign Minister Jaishankar already met US Secretary of State Mike
Pompeo and sensitised him about the issue. US State Department official clearly
mentioned that revocation of Article 370 is the internal matter of India. It is
a big victory of India’s foreign policy. Alice Wells senior US State Department
official is also scheduled to visit India on August 8. UAE Ambassador to India
also mentioned that the “decision of non-operationalisation of some sections of
Article 370” and “the reorganisation of states” is an internal matter of India.
Jaishankar would be visiting China from August 11 to 13 ahead of Chinese
President Xi Jinping’s visit to India. Although Pakistan will try to
internationalise the issue, but it appears that Islamabad will not able to
muster much support. Pakistan was expecting support from US as it is supporting
Washington in peace negotiations but US State Office clearly mentioned that it
is India’s internal matter.
ISI HQ
Courtesy : Pakistan Defence website
The opposition parties will take the matter to Supreme Court while
secessionists and accomplices of ISI will try to carry out terrorist
activities, attacks on security forces. Few political leaders will issue
inflammatory statements condemning the revocation of these articles so that the
peace of the state is disturbed but security forces are fully prepared hence no
major incident will happen. The ISI agents will also try to carry out some big
terrorist activity but as security forces are on red alert the chances are
remote that they will succeed in their nefarious designs.
Nonetheless government must chalk out a long-term plan to win the heart
of common Kashmiris. The Pakistani agents, secessionists and political leaders
will continue to criticise government, but the common people are fed up with
insurgency. They want peace and employment, government should try to generate
employment through tourism, establishing employment intensive industries,
agriculture and horticulture should be made more profitable so that it attracts
the unemployed youths. Government must restore the Sufi culture of the state
and the Imams who are spreading fundamentalism and extremism in the state must
be punished.
Stone
Pelters in Kashmir
Beside ISI few middle eastern countries are also funding the terror
outfits, sincere efforts should be made to curb the external as well as
internal funding. The security agencies should be very stringent with
lawbreakers especially stone pelters as they are the prospective terrorists.
It is encouraging that at present NSA is in the valley and meeting,
talking and dining with the local masses and trying to build a positive
atmosphere. Government should also relax the restrictions during Fridays and on
Eid al-Adha, also called the “Festival of the Sacrifice” falling on August 12.
However, security forces should remain alert not only in the valley but other
places in India as Islamabad and its supported terrorist outfits will try to
carry out major terrorist activities not only in J&K but in whole of India.
(Jai
Kumar Verma is a Delhi-based strategic analyst and member of United Services
Institute of India and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The views in
the article are solely the author’s. He can be contacted at editor.adu@gmail.com)
SOUTH ASIA MONITOR
A Perspective on, from and of interest to the region
3.After
constitutional integration, integrate the population of Kashmir with India
After constitutional
integration, integrate the population of Kashmir with India
China, which has also occupied
some portion of Kashmir and considers India as its potential adversary, will
certainly instigate and promise help to Pakistan, writes J K Verma for South
Asia Monitor
By J K VermaAUG
6, 2019
·
·
·
Home Minister Amit Shah announced in Parliament on
Monday August 5 that the major part of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution
had been revoked and Article 35A, relating to Kashmir, scrapped. He also
introduced the Reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir Bill 2019, by which the
state of J&K would be bifurcated into two union territories.
The Ladakh
region would become a Union Territory (UT) without a legislature while Jammu
and Kashmir regions would become another UT, with a legislature. Shah also
introduced a Bill in the Rajya Sabha (House of States or the Upper House of
Parliament) that would permit persons from economically weaker sections of
J&K to get the benefit of reservation in government jobs and in educational
institutions. Both bills were passed by the Rajya Sabha at the end of an
historic day for the Indian Union.
Shah said
Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which pertains to the special status of
the state of Jammu & Kashmir, could be and had been revoked through a
presidential order. The Ministry of Law and Justice also released details of
the recommended amendments in the article. Any amendment to article 370 needs
concurrence of the J&K state legislature but, since the state has been
under President’s (or direct Central) rule, the amendment was possible by
passing it through the national Parliament.
Pakistan
considers all of J&K as disputed territory and has launched a low-intensity
war against India. Its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is assisting some
terrorist outfits in the valley and infiltrating terrorists in the state. The
Indian army on August 3 killed five to seven Pakistani Special Services Group
(SSG) personnel who wanted to abduct and kill Indian security personnel.
All the
mainstream political parties of J&K have criticised the revocation of
Articles 370 and 35A. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of the People’s
Democratic Party tweeted that the Union government’s unilateral decision was
“illegal and unconstitutional”. Omar Abdullah, vice-president of the National
Conference and former chief minister, also said New Delhi’s action was
“unilateral and shocking” and “betrayal of the trust” of the people of J&K.
Both Mufti
and Abdullah and former BJP ally Sajjad Lone were arrested and placed in
detention. Curfew was imposed in several districts while Section 144 (not
allowing assembly of more than five people) was imposed elsewhere in the
Kashmir Valley and internet services were suspended. Educational institutions
have been closed and movement of the public has been restricted. Riot control
vehicles have been deployed in areas where disturbances was anticipated.
The security
forces took full precautions before the government acted to revoke these
Articles. Several battalions of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were
deployed in the state, especially in the troubled districts. The National
Security Advisor and intelligence agency chiefs visited the state to assess the
situation. The head of the external intelligence service R&AW assessed the
assistance Pakistan could have provided to the terrorist outfits and alerted
the security personnel.
In the run-up
to Monday’s announcement, all tourists and outstation students in the National
Institute of Technology, Srinagar were told to go home. For the first time in
history, the Amarnath Yatra was suspended, as were the Machail Yatra, Budha
Amarnath Yatra and Kousar Nag Yatra, all annual religious pilgrimages of great significance.
Besides J&K, the central government has also issued a high alert in some
states like Uttar Pradesh where communal riots were possible.
Pakistan
strongly condemned India’s decision and claimed it was illegal and threatened
to take all “possible actions” to counter it. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah
Mehmood Qureshi criticised the decision saying, “India is playing a dangerous
game” which would have serious repercussions on “regional peace and stability”.
Pakistan,
which was emboldened by the offer of mediation by US President Donald Trump
will take the issue of revocation of Articles 370 and 35A to various
international forums like the United Nations. Qureshi said Pakistan will raise
the issue in OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation). China, which has also
occupied some portion of Kashmir and considers India as its potential
adversary, will certainly instigate and promise help to Pakistan. Not only
this, President DonaldTrump wants to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan
because of domestic compulsions. The US representative is negotiating with the
Afghan Taliban and Pakistan, which has sway over the Taliban, is assisting
them, hence Trump wants to help Pakistan.
Internally,
the separatists as well as collaborators of ISI would like to disturb peace and
tranquility in the valley. The leaders of mainstream political parties of the
valley will also oppose revocation of these articles. However, security forces
are competent to deal with the situation and there will be no major untoward
incident in the near future. The prime minister or home minister should hoist
the national flag at Srinagar on August 15 to enthuse the nationalist forces.
The central
and state governments should take long-term steps to integrate the population
of J&K with India. Firstly, the Sufi culture should be reinstated and imams
of mosques who preach extremism must be imprisoned. More employment should be
generated through enhancing tourism, putting more industries and making
agriculture and horticulture more profitable.
(The author
is a New Delhi-based strategic analyst. He can be contacted at
jai_pushpa@hotmail.com)
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Home » Spotlight » Will
Amit Shah Fulfil BJP Promise By Removing Articles 35 A and 370?
Will Amit Shah Fulfil BJP Promise By
Removing Articles 35 A And 370?
Hits 131
By
JK Verma
The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah
meeting the family members of the martyred police officer Arshad Khan, who was
killed in an encounter in Anantnag on June 12, in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
New
Delhi. 01 August 2019. The order
of home ministry about the deployment of 100 more companies of Central Armed
Police Forces (CAPF) to maintain law and order and bolster counter insurgency
operations have generated fear and panic in the valley.
The valley based political leadership
issued multiple statements criticising and condemning the deployment. Mehbooba
Mufti the President of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wrote on Twitter that
“Centre’s decision to deploy additional 10,000 troops to the valley has created
fear psychosis amongst people.” She further tweeted that “J&K is a
political problem which won’t be solved by military means. GOI needs to rethink
& overhaul its policy”.
Shah Faesal a bureaucrat-turned
politician also questioned about the sudden mobilisation of forces and
apprehended that it may be a move to revoke Article 35A. National Conference
Vice President Omar Abdullah also cautioned central government that constitutional
provisions should not be touched. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah
sought an appointment with Prime Minister while Mehbooba Mufti requested Farooq
Abdullah to convene an all-party meeting.
Amit Shah and the Governor of Jammu and
Kashmir, Satya Pal Malik chairing review meeting on security and law &
order situation in the state in Srinagar . The Union Home Secretary, Rajiv
Gauba and other dignitaries are also seen.
The analysts claim that Bhartiya Janata
Party (BJP) promised in its “Sankalp Patra” for Lok Sabha elections 2019 that
“We reiterate our position since the time of the Jan Sangh to the abrogation of
Article 370″. The Sankalp Patra also mentions that Article 35A is an hinderance
in the development of the state. Besides Sankalp Patra BJP leaders were
constantly stating about the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. The leaders
categorically mention that the abrogation of these articles is essential for
the complete merger of J&K with the country.
Hence BJP is determined to abrogate both these articles. The deployment
of 100 companies include 50 companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF),
30 companies of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and 10 companies each of The
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and
Border Security Force (BSF). These
10,000 personnel are over and above the 40,000 CAPF persons who were already
deployed in J&K for the conduct of 45-days Amarnath Yatra which started on
1st July.
Previously Centre also sent 200 companies of CAPF for performing election
duties in early 2019. These companies are still in the state. At present 61
battalions of CRPF are in J&K state.
Amit Shah after taking over as Home
Minister paid a two-day visit to Kashmir. He held a meeting in Srinagar which
was attended by Governor Satya Pal Mallik, Union Home Minister Rajiv Gauba and
other senior Central and state officers. He also met Lieutenant General Ranbir
Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command. Amit Shah also
met prominent civilians and asked to cooperate in restoration of peace and
tranquillity in the state. In his visit he emphasised that there should be zero
tolerance towards terrorists, stringent actions should be taken against terror
funding and rule of law should be established. Both BSF and army should be
vigilant, foreign infiltrators should be exterminated and infiltration must be
stopped. He clarified that the central government will decide about the
revocation of Articles 370 and 35A and the delimitation of the state will be
done.
Amit Shah meeting the family members of
the martyred police officer Arshad Khan, who was killed in an encounter in
Anantnag
After the visit of Home Minister, Chief
of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and master mind of Balakot
surgical strike Samant Goel also visited Srinagar. Samant Goel who is an IPS
officer of 1984 batch also planned the cross-border surgical strike by Army in
2016. The valiant soldiers of army destroyed seven launching pads of terrorists
in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and killed about forty Pakistani terrorists,
their instructors and guides. The planning was so perfect that all Indian
soldiers came back without any harm. The R&AW chief visited the Line of
Control (LoC) and met officers and civilians and assessed the ground situation
in the valley.
The MHA order about the deployment of
CAPF companies came just after the conclusion of two days visit of Kashmir of
national security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. It is mentioned that although
officially NSA had not chaired any meeting, but he met separately all three
advisors of Governor Satya Pal Malik, Chief Secretary and Director General of
Police. Doval also met few prominent civilians during his sojourn in Kashmir.
He visited Amarnath cave and paid obeisance however after his return at Delhi
he immediately met Prime Minister Modi and briefed him about the situation in
Kashmir.
On 26 July K Vijay Kumar, a retired IPS
officer and presently serving as advisor to governor of J&K and looking
after the state home department held a meeting with chief secretary
B.V.R.Subrahmanyam and other top officers and decided about the deployment of
CAPF companies. It was decided that the current CAPF companies would be
deployed in North Kashmir which previously was the hotbed of terrorism.
Besides these visits there are ban on
civilian traffic on the Srinagar highway twice a week. New pickets and bunkers
were constructed in the old city where terrorists are active. Rumour is rife
that J&K will be divided in three parts including Jammu area, Ladakh area
and the valley. There are also reports that there will be delimitation of
assembly seats in which seats in the valley will be reduced and more seats will
be given to Jammu region.
Home Minister chairing review meeting
on security and law & order situation in the state in Srinagar .
Article 35A of the constitution allows
the legislature of J&K to define “permanent resident” of the state and it
also gives “special status” to the residents of the state. The article was
added in the Constitution by an executive order without any discussion in the
Parliament. The Article 370 restricts the power of the parliament to formulate
laws about the J&K state. The constitutional validity of these articles are
already challenged in Supreme Court and the case is pending.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA)
is also very active in J&K. NIA interrogated several people including
pressmen, politicians and businessmen and also filing charge sheet in the
“terror funding case.” NIA also conducted raids in city and rural areas and
arrested few persons.
The government is also keeping the
record of Imams of all major mosques. It is visualised that the Imams will be
persuaded to speak about restoration of peace after prayers especially after
Friday prayers. The Imams who will continue instigating the masses will be
booked under stringent laws.
Mukesh Singh an IPS officer of J&K
was prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre from central deputation while
another IPS officer SP Pani who was about to join R&AW on deputation was
not relieved. Munir Khan Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order)
was given one-year extension in service. Farooq Khan another counter insurgency
expert police officer joined as new advisor to Governor Malik. The current
Intelligence Bureau (IB) Chief Arvind Kumar is also Kashmir expert and in view
of current developments the present Joint Director of IB although completed his
tenure but not recalled to Delhi.
Amit Shah meeting with a delegation of
Sarpanches (Village heads), in Srinagar
Dilbagh Singh the Director General of
Police of J&K stated that there is nothing extra ordinary and the current
deployment is just to provide some rest to the current CAPF personnel. Official
sources also claim that according to reliable intelligence information sinister
Inter Services Intelligence is planning to carryout major terrorist activities
in the state on or about Independence Day. It is necessary to boost the morale
of terrorists which is down because of Operation All Out under which security
forces eliminated large number of terrorists and their commanders. But the
separatists are spreading different types of rumours including that the central
government want to withdraw these articles so that the demography of the state
can be altered. They allege that BJP wants that J&K should not remain a
Muslim majority state.
Deployment of such large number of
forces and visits of senior people like Home Minister, NSA and R&AW Chief
cannot be without any specific purpose. Shifting of Rajnath Singh to Defence Ministry
and taking over by Amit Shah as Home Minster is a clear indication that as soon
as possible present government will revoke Articles 35A and 370. Some action
can be seen after the end of Amarnath Yatra on 15 August. The parliament
session will also be over by that time.
Amit Shah meeting with a delegation of
Sarpanches (Village heads), in Srinagar . The Governor of Jammu and Kashmir,
Satya Pal Malik is also seen.
Several constitutional experts mention
that Article 35A was promulgated through Presidential ordinance hence it can
also be revoked through presidential order. Analysts also claim that the
statements of political leaders and secessionists that Kashmir will become
uncontrollable and law and order will collapse if articles 35A and 370 are
revoked is erroneous. These statements are not based on facts and are given
with ulterior motive and security forces should not be guided by these
assertions.
(Jai
Kumar Verma is a Delhi-based strategic analyst and member of United Services
Institute of India and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The views in
the article are solely the author’s. He can be contacted at editor.adu@gmail.com)
Pakistan wants to use Kartarpur corridor to instigate Khalistan issue. In India Khalistan issue is dead in fact it was never a popular issue. Khalistan issue is exploited by ISI with help of Sikhs in Canada, UK ,USA etc.
sir , very well articulated and lucidly explained the real picture and circumstances prevailing in J&K. how the comprehensive scenario developed in kashmir after the cadaver of burhan wani and the foremost is the blandishing and fusillading of lethal automatic weapons on funerals to show their condolences and sympathy.. i am highly impressed and extend my gratitude to enrich my knowledge of pir panjals happenings. keep of extravagating our ignited minds and role of security forces in kashmir.
VISHAL VIG Vishalvig Urs pundity explicitly shown in this article.. a fabulously written and comprehensively explained fm every aspect.. i want raise certain questions.. Whether China will infringe when India cede PoK?. China would come to help pakistan.. who is spending enormously in Gilgit Baltistan.. Secondly, as receited by u that central forces personnel or retired armed personnel will settle at border or crowded areas of kashmir..such possibility does not seem to empirical.. Thirdly, why not to change the demography of border villages of kashmir to resist any financial and shelter support to militants? I extend my sincere gratitude for enriching our minds with such a knowledgeable article .. keep writing.. regards
https://www.aviation-defence-universe.com/will-extradition-of-assange-to-us-be-travesty-of-justice/#.YcNsTSme1_ Will extradition of Assange to US be “Travesty Of Justice” ? By Jai Kumar Verma New Delhi. 22 December 2021. All is not well with Julian Assange and his days in Belmarsh Prison, UK could just be getting over but not for the better. Recently the London High Court gave a judgement that the founder of WikiLeaks can be extradited to United States. Assange, who is an Australian, is wanted by U.S. for publishing thousands of classified diplomatic and military documents. The High Court overruled the lower court’s judgement of 04 January this year, which mentioned that Assange cannot be extradited to U.S. as he might attempt suicide in the U.S. jail. Nevertheless U.S. authorities assured the court that Assange would not be kept in solitary confinement which would reduce the risk of suicide, as doctors have mentioned that he is suffering from depression. U.S. also...
https://www.aviation-defence-universe.com/americas-greatest-spy-dmitri-polyakov-was-not-an-american/ America’s Greatest Spy Dmitri Polyakov, was not an American By JK Verma New Delhi. 15 March 2024. Major General Dmitri Polyakov who was a collector of shot guns and worked as one of an uppermost officer in GRU the Soviet military intelligence organisation, provided treasure of classified information to its rival Central Investigation Agency (CIA) of United States of America. He supplied information based on documents about rising differences between Russia and China. In 1972 President Nixon used this vital information while establishing contact with China. He gave names of few U.S. military officers who were working for the then Soviet Union. He also provided technical data of Soviet- manufactured anti-tank missiles which were very useful for U.S. forces when they invaded Iraq in 1991. U.S. forces knowing the technical details of Russian weapons supplied to Iraq planned the operation...
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Pakistan wants to use Kartarpur corridor to instigate Khalistan issue. In India Khalistan issue is dead in fact it was never a popular issue. Khalistan issue is exploited by ISI with help of Sikhs in Canada, UK ,USA etc.
ReplyDeleteA good analysis BJP will have to take some action so that Articles 35A and 370 can be revoked
ReplyDeletesir , very well articulated and lucidly explained the real picture and circumstances prevailing in J&K. how the comprehensive scenario developed in kashmir after the cadaver of burhan wani and the foremost is the blandishing and fusillading of lethal automatic weapons on funerals to show their condolences and sympathy.. i am highly impressed and extend my gratitude to enrich my knowledge of pir panjals happenings. keep of extravagating our ignited minds and role of security forces in kashmir.
ReplyDeleteVISHAL VIG
ReplyDeleteVishalvig
Urs pundity explicitly shown in this article.. a fabulously written and comprehensively explained fm every aspect.. i want raise certain questions..
Whether China will infringe when India cede PoK?. China would come to help pakistan.. who is spending enormously in Gilgit Baltistan..
Secondly, as receited by u that central forces personnel or retired armed personnel will settle at border or crowded areas of kashmir..such possibility does not seem to empirical..
Thirdly, why not to change the demography of border villages of kashmir to resist any financial and shelter support to militants?
I extend my sincere gratitude for enriching our minds with such a knowledgeable article .. keep writing.. regards