Time for India to act
Pradip Kamat
I am appalled at the recent killing of two Indian soldiers and mutilation of the body of one by Pakistan. The response of Indian politicians has been pathetic and weak, just like has been in the past. The Prime Minister has not even made a statement to the nation, condemning this barbaric act, and honoring the valiant courage and sacrifice of our jawans. As a result, it is not surprising that such skirmishes/attacks are carried out blatantly without any fear by that country. It is due to the weak political leadership that lacks the courage to call a spade a spade and take action. India needs to engage in a serious debate on how we must shape our foreign policy with respect to Pakistan. Politicians must realize that it is time to take a different approach rather than keeping peace despite the brutal killing of our soldiers. Furthermore, despite previous failures, it appears that politicians have not learnt from their mistakes, but have been blinded by power and ill-gotten wealth accumulated by looting the nation. Our politicians have a lot to answer. Here, are a few points they may want to ponder on:
* Despite winning the wars against Pakistan, how is it that Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) still exists ~ who is/ are responsible for this strategic blunder ? When will our politicians realize that it’s time that we do what is good for our country and not worry how the UN or US will think of us.
* Hafeez Saeed ~ the mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai is a free man in Pakistan, protected by that country. India, it seems, can do nothing about it, or is it that India lacks the courage to do anything about it? The US went to Abbotabad and killed Osama Bin Laden there, but we are unable to eliminate Hafeez Saeed in Pok. Has anyone thought about drones, car bombs to avenge deaths of so many innocent Indian people? Political diplomacy won’t get us Hafeez, but courage and action certainly will. These attacks will continue as the message sent to LeT and Pakistan is that India is a soft state, that doesn’t care for the deaths of its people or soldiers.
* The biggest blunder of all is allowing Pakistan to have nuclear weapons. As a result, it seems that Pakistan can carry out heinous crimes, as they know that India though bigger and better in conventional warfare can’t respond under the threat of nuclear weapons. Israel prevented Iraq from getting nuclear weapons during the regime of Saddam Hussein and is out to get Iran now. Such is their foresight in perceiving the dangers that lie ahead if a rogue neighbour obtains nuclear weapons. But alas, Indian politicians never gave that thought. As a result of this, Pakistan can bleed India, knowing that this soft state will never retaliate. A small country like Sri Lanka could eliminate the LTTE due to the will of its political leadership. We can’t even fight the Naxalites due to political interference.
If Indian politicians really care about their people and especially our jawans who sacrificed their lives for freedom, they should put the peace process with Pakistan on hold, do away with MFN status for Pakistan, cut off diplomatic ties and label Pakistan a failed terrorist state. But for this to happen, our people need to do their job first. We need to elect educated, non corrupt politicians who are statesmen and those who will get the job done and put country above selfish interests. A weak corrupt nation gets a weak corrupt government.
