Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Brilliant reply by Modi' that was published in Newsband

Brilliant reply by Modi

After the terrorist strike at an Army camp in Uri, Indian forces carried out “surgical strikes” across the Line of Control. The operation was claimed to be a military success with no injuries to the Indian para-commandos who went across the LoC into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to attack several locations. This was not an attack on Pakistan’s defence forces, but a targeted action against terrorists poised to wreak damage in India.

The government reviewed the working of the Indus Waters Treaty, declared it is flirting with the idea of reviewing Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation status, and pulled out of the SAARC heads’ meet to be held in Islamabad. People living along the International Border and the LoC are shifted to safer locations.

The advantage of such a strike would be that many Pak youth will hesitate to join terror groups now. Earlier there was some heroism in crossing the LOC and creating mayhem. Why would they now risk dying even before they reach the LOC? It will also make the terror groups hesitate to set up launch pads close to the LOC, creating logistical problems for them.

Modi has managed the delicate situation post Uri brilliantly the nation is very happy under his leadership.  Modi should be congratulated heartily for taking such a bold decision.

Pakistan's indifference to the strikes should not be taken lightly. As we carry out some strikes here and there to prevent terror attacks, India should constantly emphasize to the world at large that we are being desperately forced to such means by provocations from our neighbour. At the same time, more diplomatic steps should be taken to gather international support to pressurize Pakistan to take steps to cleanse itself.

Hitting terrorist targets using airborne commando fights just 500 meters from LOC barbed wire fence was undoubtedly a great move. But the question is what is next? Will Pakistan hit hard deep into Kashmir using airborne and military strikes? If this happens UN should not act against Indian interests since we are on the right.  

Just one (surgical) strike is not enough because it won't destroy all the terrorists and their camps as well as hideouts. In order to prevent them from regrouping and trying to infiltrate into India, such strikes should be undertaken every month. Further, India should well tighten its defenses so as to be in a position to repulse any possible attack on India by enemy Pakistan army or the terrorists backed by it. We have to remember that in Pakistan it is the army that calls the shots, may any form of government exist there.

The great thing is that an example has been set for future terrorists who intend to cross the borders. Pakistan has been notorious in needling India. We continued to lose valuable lives and assets over decades. But now after a decade, we have a Prime Minister who is decisive and a no-non sense type. Next, we have such a PM with absolute majority in Parliament, not requiring to please other minions. Glad, we have arrived and Pakistan can no longer have the luxury of taking us for granted.