There is absolutely no denying that the political, military and civil state of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is in dire straits. In fact, with every passing day, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir keeps getting worse…slowly turning more grim by the day.
Consider this…it has now been over a week since the Pakistani troops (or “terrorists”…who’s to say…besides, there is little demarcation between the two when it comes to our barbaric neighbour), in an utterly despicable act of barbarism, killed and beheaded two Indian Army jawans near Poonch.
What makes the act stand out is not how flagrantly it has violated all international laws and standard norms of warfare, it is clearly an act of grave provocation. That too…when the Pakistanis know that India has always taken the bait and answered suitably for every such act or instance of barbarism, whether the year was 1999 or 2000 or 2013 or even 2016. [Of course, the efficacy of those attacks is a different ballgame altogether?!?]
The question, therefore, that is facing us is: ‘What is Pakistan hoping to achieve through this escalated conflict with India at its border’? After all, why would any country (let’s forget Pakistan for a moment) risk a military standoff with a country more powerful than itself? It really doesn’t make any sense…or does it?!?
Is it because Pakistan knows for a fact that our troops will never stoop to their levels…no matter how big the provocation? In other words, no matter what they do…we need to accept that we will never cross the Line of Control and never cross the morally defined line of beheading their soldiers. After all, we are not barbaric (like them)…a fact that we take much pride in!
So, if that is the rhetoric…are we forced to pay the price for NOT being morally repugnant? In other words, we so love to take the moral high ground (and Pakistan knows that), which makes Pakistan a pro at playing us!
Then again…what option do we really have? Do we do unto them what they do unto us??
Truth is, I am sure most of us…as rational and decent human beings…have a conscience that would just not permit us to take the “head for a head” approach. Thus, even when fighting with an enemy that has no morals, we just cannot lose ours.
So, now that we have accepted that we won’t fight barbarics with barbaric tactics…what is the solution to the problem called Pakistan? That, honestly…is the most difficult question of all. For the answer being sought has to come from the hearts of good human beings…who let’s face it…are not equipped to handle the neighbourly menace.
However, the fact that we have a strong-willed Prime Minister (who doesn’t shy away from confrontation) gives us some glimmer of hope. With the government giving the military the go-ahead for swift and substantial strikes against the rogue state, maybe Pakistan will be forced to learn a lesson or two.
But the mutilation of our soldiers leaves a bigger question for us: ‘Can you fight fair with an unfair opponent’? Whatever be our moral standpoints…we need to acknowledge this…that it’s time for some pay back?!?
