Pulwama terror attack: Pakistan speaks in one voice on Kashmir. Why is India a divided house?
The Pulwama terror attack will make all Indians blood boil. But, it should also make us hang our heads in shame to think that a rogue, almost bankrupt and nearly failed state can perpetrate such humongous human costs on us with impunity for decades.
True a full-scale war cannot be an option. Nuclear threat keeps our hands tied. But, surely in modern warfare there are ways to wreak damage on the enemy without going all the way.
It would be puerile to assume that the Indian establishment has been sitting idle. But, these are not times for niceties. The angst needs to be vented uncensored without mincing words. But, obviously whatever we have been doing so far is not enough.
Let us accept the impact of the 'surgical strike' were visible more in the results of the UP elections than in the subsequent conduct of Pakistan or the local insurgents. The losses of demonetisation inflicted on terrorist outfits were quickly 'remonetised' with new currency from across the border.
But before we jump to condemn the Narendra Modi government and start taunting 'Mr 56 inches', let us also ask what the governments before this have achieved for the last three decades?
What Narendra Modi and NDA government are responsible for is raising public expectations (as they did in every other area — be it the economy or action against corruption) and not being able to stay the course. So it has also been a story of one step forward and two steps back. The BJP government has been far too sensitive and often overawed by internal criticism and outrage from the opposition and 'Kashmir experts' in the media. As a result, its Kashmir policy lacked of consistency, reactions came in knee jerks and responses appeared defensive
But, what we as a nation are guilty of is the absence of an unified national policy for Kashmir. Right or wrong there is very little visible difference in Pakistan about its establishments approach on Kashmir. Whereas in India we come across as a divided house speaking in different voices.
The so-called mainstream Kashmiri parties have always displayed double standards to ensure their own survival. They have routinely double-crossed governments at the centre to secure their self-interest and also not been shy to be seen sleeping with separatist elements. Whereas the mainland politicians alternate between turning doves or hawks conveniently with every change of government in Delhi.
It is time for the civil society to say enough is enough — we cannot allow sacrifice our bravehearts for fighting a battle without an end game in sight.
No matter which government comes to power later this year they need to commit to an unequivocal Kashmir policy — without any wishy-washy statements like "we shall win them over with love" or "enemies will not be spared". It should be imperative on the incumbent PM to build a national consensus on Kashmir and carry it to a logical conclusion.
The invisible costs incurred by the country for a confused Kashmir policy over 70 years far outweighs alleged miscalculations on Rafale or demonetisation.
All parties should realise this and close ranks to stand up for Kashmir.
It may be fashionable to say 'revenge is a dish best served cold'. But, not for an enemy who enjoys hot kebabs at breakfast.
Time for all Indians to show real 'josh' and give the government of the day a 'carte blanche' to deal with Kashmir .
Also read: We could see Pulwama coming – and there’s more to follow