Game of Elections: India’s Strategic Play in Response to Pakistan!
“India’s Response to Pakistan Army Chief Munir’s Speech: A Fitting Strategy for J&K Elections Ahead”
A recent news article in a Hindi daily claimed India conducted another “surgical strike” against Pakistan, creating a stir in the South Block, home to the Ministry of Defence. This escalated into a public denial from the Indian Army about the report. While security officials consider the Line of Control (LoC) ceasefire in question due to daily challenges from the Pakistan Army, it’s evident that Pakistan’s political instability has influenced its actions.
The Indian Army clarified that two terrorists attempted to cross the LoC in the Balakote sector from Pakistan’s side, utilizing the terrain’s flora for camouflage. Indian troops prevented their entry, and the Army traced blood back to Pakistan, indicating the terrorists retreated and later succumbed to injuries.
Pakistan’s caretaker government, led by PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, focuses on stabilizing the $350 billion economy with a $3 billion IMF bailout. Amid this crisis, the civilian government avoids clashing with India.
The Pakistani Army remains the driving force behind foreign and security policy. Chief Asim Munir’s Independence Day speech underscored Kashmir’s plight and India’s perceived threat to regional peace.
The India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement’s second year is marked by tension. Pakistan’s actions in response to internal armed forces’ consensus on equipment shortages during troop withdrawal from Afghanistan strained the agreement. Pakistan blamed India for violating the ceasefire, but a rise in violations is expected.
The nations’ impending elections add complexity, impacting adherence to the ceasefire understanding. Amidst this, communication between DGMOs remains steady.
Pakistan faces Taliban resistance in Afghanistan, diverting its armed forces. Amid such challenges, Pakistan should prioritize internal stability over Kashmir, while India should focus on border vigilance and timely elections in Jammu and Kashmir for a strong response to its nuclear-armed neighbor.