When does it become too much?
Exchange of fire across the LoC and working boundary is increasingly becoming more frequent and lethal. Small arms fire is now accompanied by mortar fire and use of artillery. This has led to a higher rate of casualties among innocent citizens on both sides. At times populations of entire villages are relocated to safer places. Casualties among soldiers are also increasing. The Indian media has reported 89 Indian personnel killed this year including 27 soldiers dying in the last two months alone. Casualties on the Pakistan side of the border are likely to be in the same range. There is a need on the part of the political and military leadership on both sides to review the border policy to stop a purposeless and costly confrontation.
What inspires hope on the Pakistan side is Gen Bajwa’s remark that the situation at the LoC would soon improve. One expects the new COAS to reassess the strategy governing the management of LoC and working boundary in the light of the overall challenges Pakistan is facing. While the Operation Zarb e Azb has dealt a heavy blow to the terrorists, the old networks have now been joined by the ISIS leading to some of the most devastating terrorist attacks in the country. Meanwhile there is no end to infiltration from the Afghan side which may not end without an understanding with the Afghan government leading to synchronised if not joint operations against the terrorist strongholds on both sides of the border. This also requires peace on Pakistan’s eastern borders. The Indian side has to realise that continuous escalation on the part of the two neighbours possessing nuclear arms is highly dangerous while peace can bring rich dividends to these countries.
Pakistan and India need to have a dialogue-driven approach towards the resolution of bilateral issues. The policy of ignoring the terrorist groups which do not target Pakistan is highly dangerous. These networks can anytime create a situation in another country that could have harmful consequences for Pakistan. Dialogue alone can lead to the resolution of outstanding issues.