CHAIRING a meeting of Corps Commanders at General Headquarters Rawalpindi, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa ordered higher troop readiness in view of evolving strategic and regional security environment.
The remarks of the Army Chief have come in the wake of India’s increased violations on the Line of Control. Ever since Modi has been re-elected, the Indian troops have increased tension on the LoC targeting innocent civilians. The other day, their provocation resulted in the martyrdom of one Pakistani soldier and injuries to a few civilians. Then the blatant human rights violations and Indian atrocities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir are no longer a secret regardless of Modi Junta’s efforts to divert world attention from it. The standoff between China and India at the Ladakh region is also alarming. The Indian troops provocation on Monday at the Line of Actual Control near the southern bank of Pangong Tso Lake has further raised the risk of a conflict in the region as it was the first time in nearly four decades that Indian army fired shots in the disputed border region, breaking the tacit understanding about not using firearms. All these acts show the growing Indian frustration and we really need to keenly follow the events as these have an important bearing on strategic dynamic vis-à-vis Kashmir. Nothing good can be expected from Modi and out of desperation New Delhi may resort to aggression against Pakistan. The very direction of the Army Chief for combat readiness also points to the danger of conflict hovering over the region. We have no doubt in the capabilities of our armed forces which have always delivered a humiliating blow to the enemy. The whole world witnessed its most recent manifestation last year when our Shaheens shot down two Indian fighter jets during the dogfight. It was a clear demonstration that our forces are far ahead both in capability and professionalism and that their valiance has no match. Having said so, any conflict between the two nuclear neighbours will have dangerous consequences not only for this region but the whole world. It will be better for important capitals to use their influence on New Delhi to reduce tension in the region and move towards resolution of outstanding dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.
