The current India-Pakistan stand-off is being viewed through the prism of war. But as India has made it abundantly clear, war is not the solution to the problem. India wants to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai 26/11 carnage to justice and seeks Pakistan's co-operation in this regard. This is, in my opinion, still a soft stance on the issue of India's victimhood of cross border terrorism. Why should India consider the terrorist strikes only a handiwork of a bunch of LeT masterminds? If one can ever distinguish between the acts of state and non-state actors, the onus of proof as to state actors' innocence in this episode should rest with Pakistan government. The scale and intensity of the attacks leaves barely anything to imagination. How can such a ruthlessly and accurately planned massacre be executed without state support? India is talking tough. But tough talk or plainspeak would lead us nowhere. The need of the hour is a concrete action which can be regarded as a deterrent to any future adventurism staged against India from Pakistani soil. Even Pakistan's handing over of the terrorists accused in 26/11 would not solve this conundrum. The menace of terrorism is very political in nature and 26/11 is just another sophisticated and brutal version of manifestation of the historical animosity of the two South Asian neighbours.
The Road Ahead:
1. Capitalize on India's clean record in complying with security related international conventions/laws/treaties/regimes
2. Put a stress on the right of self-defence to justify any war-like action/hot pursuit of the terrorists
3. Communicate to the international community that carnages like 26/11 has nothing to do with the Kashmir issue. Publicize India's victimhood widely and use this to get away with a bit of roguishness. Tell the world you are tired of being a nice guy. That the world has paid a lip service to India's cause. That Pakistan is at war with you and you need to act now.
4. Responsibility for terror acts lie not only with a few rogue elements of militant groups in Pakistan but also with the Pakistani establishment that support these operatives or turn a Nelson's eyes to their activities, to say the least.
5. Chalk out a schedule of actions and strategies with clear timelines. Show it to the world powers and the UN. And go ahead. Ignore the noises and murmurs of those who advise restraint. Tell them to assure safety and protection of your citizens or just shut up. India cannot wait indefinitely for the world powers to discipline Pakistan.
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