India says it did enter the
Myanmarese territory to carry out attacks on terrorists camps there, believed
to be of the outfits behind the June 4 terror strike in Chandel that left 18
Indian Army soldiers dead.
The professional conduct needed the
Indian establishment to go silent about it. The Indian Army did so, not mentioning
'entering in Myanmar' even once during its presser and in the press-release. It
maintained 'covertness' of the 'covert operation'.
But the political establishment
could not do so. The ruling block saw a good political branding opportunity
here to claim 'paradigm shift in India's anti-terror policy'.
Even if it is in the realm of
'policy debates' and, ideally, the political establishment should have chosen
the policy followed by the Indian Army, the happenings on that front are
contrary, and the Opposition is targeting it.
But it is not just in India that
we are seeing intense activity over it.
Across the border, in Pakistan,
India's hot-pursuit is generating much political concern. In India, the
Opposition is opposing the way the government is publicising it and trying to
take credit for it. In Pakistan, the establishment there is thinking that what
would happen if India decides to carry a Myanmar like operation in
Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and Pakistani territories along the International
Border.
Even if that is not so easy.
India and Pakistan ties, that have been historically hostile, are witnessing a
low turn these days while India shares friendly foreign relations with Myanmar,
Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Narendra Modi has taken steps to improve ties and
has been reciprocated.
India is a much larger and
stronger country than Pakistan and the gap is widening. It is happening in a
country where anti-India stand and rhetoric has been the lifeline of military
and political establishments.
So, even if going inside PoK or
Pakistani territory may not be on Indian agenda, the response by the Pakistani establishments
is like 'India is planning an imminent attack in the border territories of
Pakistan or areas under Pakistan's control'.
And everyone in Pakistan's
establishment - from its Prime Minister - to its Army Chief - to its former
President - are issuing statements and reacting in the way so as to hide their
frustration behind words.
Go through these:
Nawaz Sharif - Prime Minister, Pakistan
June 11 - Recent statements by
Indian ministers have hampered our relations with India. The entire nation is
dismayed over these irresponsible and imprudent statements by the Indian
leadership. Despite these statements we will continue our efforts towards good
neighbourly relations but they need to be reciprocated. (The Express Tribune)
June 11 - Pakistan will protect
its territory at all costs and this message should be heard loud and clear. (The
Express Tribune)
June 10 - Amidst a fresh salvo of
hostile rhetoric from New Delhi, Nawaz said that the recent provocative
statements of Indian leaders are ‘disappointing’. He called upon the United
Nations Security Council to ensure implementation of its resolutions to resolve
the festering dispute over the Himalayan region of Kashmir. (The Express
Tribune)
Raheel Sharif - Pakistan's Army Chief
June 10 - Taking strong exception
to a series of threats from India, formation commanders’ conference presided
over by Army Chief General Raheel Sharif made it clear, Pakistan was ready to
defeat Indian ‘designs’ and defend the territorial integrity. “The forum took
serious notice of the recent Indian hostile rhetoric coupled with covert and
overt actions to destabilize Pakistan,” the military’s media wing said. It was
termed as highly regrettable that Indian
politicians not only indulge in actions that are in violation of the United
Nations’ Charter, but also take pride in claiming their interference in the
internal affairs of other states, it added. The forum was given comprehensive
briefings on security environment and professional issues. (The Nation)
Resolution of Pakistan's Senate and National Assembly
June 11 - The Senate today passed
a unanimous resolution strongly condemning the recent disturbing pattern of
provocative and hostile statements by Indian leaders including threatening
attacks against Pakistani territory. In response to another question, the
Spokesperson said that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its territorial
integrity against any foreign Aggression. (Radio Pakistan)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan
June 10 - In response to another
question, the Spokesperson said that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its
territorial integrity against any foreign Aggression.
Parvez Musharraf - Former Pakistan President and Former Army Chief
General
June 10 - Deal with them with
sovereign equality, my experience is they will further suppress if we back off.
Their stance is offensive one. We do not want to use nuclear capability but if
our existence comes under threat, who do we have these nuclear weapons for? If
I say in Ch Shujaat’s style, do we have nukes saved to be used on
Shab-e-Baraat? (Dunya News)
June 10 - “Neither the Pakistani
armed forces, nor the people here are wearing bangles. This is Pakistan, not
Myanmar. Modi’s presentation of the Fall of Dhaka picture to Bangladeshi PM and
his open admission of Indian interference to internally destabilize Pakistan
has exposed India’s true face. It clearly shows that India is intended to
establish its supremacy by interfering in neighboring countries, but it must not
forget that this is Pakistan. (Ary News)
Chaudhry Nisar - Interior Minister, Pakistan
June 10 - Responding to a
statement issued by Indian Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, Interior Minister
Chaudhry Nisar said that Pakistan wanted peace in the region yet its friendly
overtures should not be confused as a sign of weakness. Chaudhry Nisar said
that India should not mistake Pakistan for Myanmar as its armed forces possess
the capability to give a befitting reply to any Indian act of
aggression.Lambasting the norm of repeated aggressive statements from the other
side of the border, Chaudhry Nisar said that the Indian leadership should stop
day-dreaming and face reality. (The News International)
Sartaz Aziz - Advisor to Pakistan's Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs
and National Security
June 10 - The premier’s senior
aide affirmed Pakistan will take all possible measures to unveil India’s role
in the breakup of East Pakistan in 1971. “We will take all possible steps to
expose India’s role in the breakup of East Pakistan in 1971 and its threat to destabilise
Pakistan through terrorism,” Sartaj Aziz told the Senate on Wednesday. Aziz
further said, “The government has taken strong notice of Modi’s statement in
which he acknowledged his country’s role in the events of 1971 in the then-East
Pakistan.” (The Express Tribune)
