15th august , 2016 marked the 70th independence day of the Republic of India. The PM, Mr. Narendra Modi through his address to the nation from the historic Red Fort created ripples throughout the diplomatic circles of the world. The so called ripples were not caused due to his government’s extraordinary efforts in transforming the Indian populace , but were rather caused due to the mention of the plight of the people residing in Gilgit-Balochistan region of Pakistan. The mention of the Baloch people signified a paradigm shift in India’s policy wherein it did not interfere with the internal affairs of other nation states. The speech although well worded and cautious put the Baloch rebellion in international spotlight. Many critics hailed the PM’s decision to voice the atrocities carried out on Baloch citizens by the Pakistani army and support poured in for the PM from across the spectrum of political parties in India.
This bold decision was believd to be prompted due to the prolonged , unwavering unrest in the Kashmir valley following the elimination of the Burhan Wani, commander of the militant group Hizbul Mujahideen , deemed as a martyr by some Pakistani politicians
The majority of the ignorant Indian media whose sustainance depended upon celebrity gossips and politicians who gave out ridiculous statements to the public, grew a conscience and suddenly became adovates of human rights of the Baloch nationals overnight. As praises heaped for the PM and world diplomatic restraints were tightened around Pakistan globally, many people like me feared that sooner or later Pakistan was bound to retaliate in its own, unique, trademarked style in the form of a terrorist attack.
This retaliation came on 18th of September, 2016 in the form of attack on the Army Brigade Headquarters situated in Uri, near the Line Of Control. Four heavily armed terrorists, penetrated the base and successfully managed to kill 19 army personnel and injure many others. In the ensuing battle, all the terrorists were slain and initial reports suggested that Pakistan had a major role in the attacks.
In the aftermath that followed the attacks, sympathies and prayers were with the martyred army personnel and their grief stricken families. A public outcry for strong action against the Pakistani perpetrators echoes throughout the nation . The Indian government thus begins its process of Pakistan’s global isolation in all sectors. Meanwhile the Army says that it will take action at a time and a place of its choosing.
On 29th September in a press conference held by the DGMO of Indian army , it is announced that Indian paratroopers crossed the LOC, entered POK and carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launchpads which resulted in the death of 35-50 terrorists and 2-9 Pakistani soldiers. But what was unusual about this press conference was that no questions were taken by DGMO or anyone else for that matter.
The Indian media was quick to laud the surgical strikes and some news channel even went ahead of themselves and called Pakistan out for a war. Pakistan in its age-old policy obviously denied that the attacks ever took place and questioned the authenticity of the strikes and evidence was demanded.
The Indian army claims that it has video footage of the strikes and a decision would be taken regarding the release of the footage to the public. Meanwhile India has pulled out of SAARC summit and many of its allies have followed suit. The summit which was to be held in Islamabad has now been scrapped for the moment. A sure diplomatic win to the government.
But, the refusal of DGMO to answer questions at the press meet and Pakistan’s claims have planted the seeds of suspicion in minds of many. The government is being demanded by various elements to release the evidence as it did after it carried out surgical strikes in Myanmar in June of 2015.
The question that now arises is that whether the strikes were really carried out or were they just a front to quench the growing bloodlust frenzy in the media and populace?
