JAMMU: There is a clamour for counter-offensive against Pakistan or what it has done via its new brand of terrorists in recent weeks, targeting the Indian army soldiers in Jammu region. This outcry is justified as no nation can ever tolerate the loss of its soldiers at the hands of terrorists coming from a hostile country. Pakistan has chosen wrong place to target the soldiers – Jammu is a region where patriotism overflows due to the historical reasons. Even before Jammu and Kashmir became part of India with the signing of the Instrument of Accession by Maharaja Hari Singh in October 1947, the people of this region were looking for inspiration to the idea of the country that was in process of Partition.

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Jammu is now known as poor cousin of Kashmir; this is because of the arrogance and domination of the Kashmir-based political parties, which were exacting their revenge on the people of the region for they had opposed their “Quit Kashmir” agitation. The agitation was against the Dogra king, who for all reasons had been a fair and benevolent ruler and Jammu could not tolerate this insult. At some point in time whenever history is written in the manner as it unfolded in 1940s, it should be reflected that “Quit India” movement was against foreigners- bruisers whereas “Quit Kashmir” was against the legitimate and democratic ruler and Jammu people.
Pakistan could not succeed in its designs in 1947 when it launched tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir because of two formidable reasons; the Indian army that landed in the erstwhile state after the October 26, 1947 accession, and the people of Jammu. The two complimented each other. After having seen the behavior and the supreme sacrifices that Jammu made to foil Pakistan’s diabolical plans, Rawalpindi, the real power center in Pakistan because that being the headquarters of army there, resorted to this new strategy to bleed Jammu. But Pakistan underestimated the region’s response. The people did not take terror attacks on the army vehicles lying down. They came out in streets, held anti-Pakistan demonstrations and burnt effigies of leaders of the neighboring country. They stood up against Pakistan’s terror and were more than willing to be counted.
Outpouring of emotions on streets is not just a kneejerk reaction. It’s a strategic move that conveys to the adversary that they stand behind their security forces, no matter how grave the situation may be. They want Pakistan to know and comprehend it in full measure that there is a strong line of defence behind the armed forces along with the borders and hinterland. They are also keen to become partners in military’s strategy in neutralizing the adversary’s evil designs anywhere and everywhere. The VDGs- Village Defence Guards- are more than foot soldiers.
Taking this into account, one can appreciate the way army and J&K police have been working overtime in the past month ever since the terror attacks started jolting the region to come out with a strategy to counter terrorism. They have not rushed into panic nor have they pressed the panic button, the clear signs of forces that are full of confidence. This confidence is related to the overall strategy to understand the game plan of Pakistan and its motives. There is a lot of truth in the fact that Pakistan wants to bleed Jammu and Kashmir as has been its policy, using terrorism as its foreign policy tool, to rake up Kashmir issue at international fora. This is ingrained in its genes. There are certain obstinate nations that refuse to learn their lessons, Pakistan stands at the frontline of such nation states, which have come to be defined as failed nations.
During June-July 2024, Pakistan has more underlined pursuits than mere getting Kashmir on the international stage. Kashmir has been its talking point for the international audience – most of the times at United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and few regional groups – Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This time it is trying to send a message of vulnerability of Indian state in the region that is an icon of Indian nationalism and that stood like a rock behind every decision that Delhi made.
Counter-offensive should be harder than the traditional one. What could that be should be kept as a surprise, as it is also clear now that Pakistan has not changed its behavior after surgical and aerial strikes on its soil. Jammu region has responsibility to suggest ideas to isolate Pakistan and fight its strongest machinery terrorism through which it seeks its relevance. Its bluff should be called and that also soon.