The festive season is ahead. It is a pity that tensions between India and Pakistan are mounting. India quite rightly retaliated against Pakistani terror strikes by carrying out surgical operations across the LoC. Pakistan attacked a Rashtriya Rifles camp housing a unit of the BSF at Baramullah. It has also made a number of ceasefire violations across the LoC. Indian Security Forces had to strike back. The gathering storm is cause for concern in New Delhi which is against military action. The ISI-military complex in Pakistan must be equally tensed. It is getting increasingly difficult for Indian troops to carry out counter-attacks. The emphasis should be on beefing up defence and tightening security in border areas. Delhi has received 100% diplomatic support. The SAARC meeting in Islamabad has been postponed. First, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bhutan pulled out. Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal followed suit. Islamabad must be miffed at Russia backing India after sending armed contingents to join military exercise with it.
What is important is that Indian ministers should not generate heat to undo diplomatic initiatives. War is an extension of diplomacy and must be avoided if diplomacy works. New Delhi should not overreact to Islamabad’s baiting. Pakistan is naturally putting out false propaganda. Delhi should do well to persuade China to ostracize terrorists like Masood Azhar. It is regrettable that the Government and the Opposition parties are said to be fighting over the issue. Lives are at stake and what is wanted is de-escalation on both sides.