The BJP’s Vice Presidential candidate has threatened Pakistan of a repeat of 1971 in case it pursued its policy of terror against India. Naidu was speaking at annual Kargil Parakram Parade held in New Delhi in remembrance of soldiers killed in a war with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil sector in 1999. Interestingly, earlier China had issued a similar threat to India, reminding it of the “historical lessons”. This was in reference to 1962 war when China defeated India. In response, India said that it was a much stronger country than it was in 1962. China shot back that it too was much more powerful than it was in sixties. Now India has threatened Pakistan with another 1971, read another split of the country. This is likely to cause some unease in Pakistan which hasn’t forgotten 1971 and has always sought revenge for the division of the country. In fact Punjab insurgency in India that followed soon after and continued for over a decade and was allegedly supported by Pakistan was perceived to have been an attempt to avenge Bangladesh war. Bangladesh baggage thus continues to haunt the sub-continent.
Ever since both India and Pakistan have gone nuclear which has made their continuing animosity a fraught affair. And the statements like the one made by Naidu, a likely future Vice President of India further vitiate the atmosphere.
As was expected, the BJP’s term at the centre has plunged the relations between the two countries to their lowest. The period has witnessed a progressive deterioration in Kashmir situation. Militancy has resurged and a large part of it comprises of local militants. The future looks bleak. Unlike the period after early nineties, the militancy is now overwhelmingly supported by the people. Ever increasing participation in the militant funerals and the protests at the encounter sites are a testament to this fact. Besides, the 2003 cease-fire agreement is now a thing of past. The firing across International Border and the Line of Control has become a recurrent phenomenon leading to loss of the soldiers and civilians on both the sides. Any major terror attack in India or an incident of violence could potentially lead to an outbreak of hostilities.
India has already carried out a surgical strike inside Pakistan administered Kashmir which Pakistan has denied. Even though the alleged strike didn’t lead to Pakistan retaliation there is no guarantee it will not in future. And if there is an escalation, there is no knowing where it will end with both nations being nuclear armed. But even if there is a catastrophic war between the two countries, its conclusion will not resolve the issues. The two countries thus need to get real and practical about the state of affairs which is something that hasnt happened for the past seventy years. The lingering confrontation between the countries serves none. In fact, it serves more of political purposes for the governments in power in two countries than any practical ends. If India and Pakistan do resolve their issues, it will be to their mutual benefit. Belligerent rhetoric vitiates atmosphere for no reason. And it ill-becomes the future Vice President to hurl threats at a neighbouring country. It undermines the dignity of his office.
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