The militant attack on an army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir has claimed the lives of eighteen soldiers. 17 soldiers died on Sunday, while one more critically injured soldier succumbed to his injuries on Monday. The entire nation was angered after India’s eighteen brave heart soldiers had to sacrifice their lives. The four cowardly terrorists responsible for the attack were killed by the Indian army. India has directly blamed the attack on Pakistan.
This is the second major terrorist attack on India’s security forces. Before this, a terrorist attack was committed on 2 January 2016 by a heavily armed group on the Pathankot Air Force Station.
Pakistan keep denying its involvement in the terrorist acts, but the evidence says otherwise. India and many countries have targeted Pakistan for its soft approach towards terrorist outfits, but Pakistan learns nothing.
Two powerful American lawmakers have introduced ‘Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act’ (HR 6069) act in the United States House of Representatives to label Pakistan a sponsor of terrorism.
Congressman Ted Poe, who is the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, said,
“It is time we stopped paying Pakistan for its betrayal and designate it for what it is: a state sponsor of terrorism. Not only is Pakistan an untrustworthy ally, Islamabad has also aided and abetted enemies of the US for years. From harboring Osama bin Laden to its cozy relationship with the Haqqani network, there is more than enough evidence to determine whose side Pakistan is on in the War on Terror. And it’s not America’s.”
India can consider the military options against Pakistan. India could attempt an artillery strike on Pakistani army positions which are used to help militants cross over into parts of Kashmir. India could send special forces inside Pakistan to attack guerrilla training camps.
US more than ever is willing to cut Pakistan loose, this is the best time for Modi government to use its power to dissuade Pakistan’s terror network. Prime Minister Narendra Modi now has the opportunity to deliver the message he advocated.
Right now PM Modi has at least five options on the table.
1. India could identify the Pakistan army posts that help infiltration and obliterate them using missiles or special forces. Attack Pakistan army posts and bunkers without crossing LoC.
2. India can launch air or missile strikes on jihadist targets across the LoC, which are highly visible.
3. India could try something like ‘Operation Parakram’, to use coercion. Army battalions along the LoC as well as forward IAF airbases on the western front.
4. The most probable choice is to isolate Pakistan globally. India will present evidence of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad’s involvment in the Uri attack at all international forums.
5. Using BrahMos missiles for longer range strikes on Pakistan army posts. The 290-km BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles can come into play.