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Time for India to Hit Pakistan Where It Hurts
Dear Readers,
Reasi terror attack, an hour before PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony, exposes the vulnerability of the Rajouri-Poonch sector and the tough challenge that Indian Army faces in this region of Jammu.
In December last year, attacks in the Balfiaz and Kalakote forests resulted in the deaths of 10 soldiers.
Over the last two years, 19 security personnel have been killed in this region.
Seven unarmed Hindu civilians were shot dead in Dhangri village last year.
Terrorists are shifting focus from the Kashmir Valley to Jammu, exploiting the dense forests of Poonch-Rajouri.
The challenge is the terrain: Thick forests, high mountain ridges (5,000 to 7,500 ft), and natural caves give terrorists a tactical advantage.
Guerrilla tactics: Small groups of highly trained terrorists ambush and then vanish using nullahs (small streams) to get across LoC.
Surveillance limits: Helicopters and drones struggle with the dense cover, and troop density has been reduced.
Well-planned operations, similar to Operation Sarp Vinash of 2003-04, with adequate troops and prior intelligence, could help counter the terrorist threat effectively.
More importantly, it's time for India to hit Pakistan where it hurts and hit back hard. Read on!
The terror attack in Reasi has once again sparked the debate on how India should respond.
What Happened: Hindu pilgrims were massacred by highly trained terrorists linked to Pakistan's Special Services Group (SSG).
The Big Question: Why isn’t India hitting back harder at its enemies, especially the Pakistan Army that backs these terrorists?
Troop Relocation: Likely that moving forces to Eastern Ladakh due to China has left a security gap.
Reality Check: Even doubling troops in J&K might not stop these small, skilled terror units operating with local support.
Terrain Advantage: Dense forests and tough terrain make it hard for Indian forces to track these terrorists, who usually slip back across the Line of Control (LoC) and strike again.
The Real Issue is the Pakistan Army that trains and deploys these terrorists, fueled by deep-rooted anti-India propaganda.
Launch fire assaults across the LoC, hitting Pakistani soldiers and officers.
For every Indian killed by terrorists, target 10 Pakistani soldiers.
Yehi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai: Now is the best time as Pakistan’s financial crisis and domestic chaos make it vulnerable.
Internal pressures and the Taliban threat on Pakistan’s western front add to their distraction.
Bottom Line: Only by making the Pakistan Army feel the pain can India hope to deter future attacks and maintain regional stability. The eyes and the aim must be on the Pak Army!
Until tomorrow,
Anmol N Jain
