“After this dastardly act,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Tuesday, “there can’t be business as usual with Pakistan.” Dr. Singh’s tired words — and his government's dreadful decision to postpone the start of visa-free travel to India by senior citizens from Pakistan — suggest the relentless political attacks on his Pakistan policy are taking a toll. This is not good news. It is entirely true that the beheading of Indian soldiers on the Line of Control was a despicable act that must be condemned. It must also be candidly admitted, though, that Pakistan has not had a monopoly of wrong-doing in this case. It was only in March that Defence Minister A.K. Antony informed Parliament of Indian protests against Pakistani construction along the Line of Control. Now, no less than India’s Chief of Army Staff Bikram Singh has confirmed reports in The Hindu that India, too, was doing exactly the same thing. It is pointless to ask who cast the first stone. The need now is to strengthen the restraint regime on the LoC. Few spectacles have been as unedifying as the contemptible baying of warmongers these past days — most of it, it bears mention, emanating from TV studios located at a safe distance from the nearest bullet. It is hard not to contrast Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj’s ugly calls for 10 Pakistani soldiers to be beheaded in retaliation with the studied restraint of General Singh. No one who has seen war casually calls for the blood of soldiers to be shed — or believes they can predict, with any certainty, what the consequences of war will be.
Four propositions must be clearly understood. First, ever since General Parvez Ashfaq Kayani took office as Pakistan’s army chief in November 2007, his covert services and armed forces have engaged in a carefully calibrated escalation of hostilities — hoping to roll back the détente initiated in 2003, but also seeking not to invite international condemnation. Second, India has few military options to address this situation. The potential costs of war, and the risk of nuclear confrontation, far outweigh those of the low-grade conflict India now faces. India has covert and conventional means at its disposal which have been exercised — and could be exercised to greater effect. However, precipitating a crisis serves the interests of Pakistan’s generals — not Indians. Third, denying visas to elderly Pakistanis or stopping hockey players from participating in Indian tournaments will not make our borders or our civilians safer. This is the behaviour of a spoilt child, not a strategic actor. Fourth, real gains have been made since 2003, not the least a ceasefire and de-intensification of cross-border terrorism which has saved the lives of thousands of Indian soldiers. Nothing ought to be done to jeopardise this. Not every malaise has a cure; some can only be managed better or worse, and certainly not through indiscriminate blood-letting. India’s relationship with Pakistan is one of them.
Keywords: India-Pakistan border tension, cross-LoC firing, Indian soldier beheading, Manmohan Singh warning, visa-on-arrival, Pakistan ceasefire violation, Indian Army, Sushma Swaraj, Bikram Singh
We have witnessed Pakistan’s provocations in our border on number of occasions in the past. Their double standard in making official statements on the issue of building up bilateral relations between the two countries is well known. This happened again in the recent incidence of killing our jawans and beheading one of them. While the first provocation came from their side, they vehemently denied it. It is true that retaliation by Indian force is the befitting reply to Pakistan’s misadventure. But as you have rightly said, ‘No one who has seen war casually calls for the blood of soldiers to be shed..’. While not taking the hardliner approach does in any way express our weakness, 'four propositions' mentioned in the last Para of your edit deserve kudos, especially when you bother to boldly declare: 'Not every malaise has a cure; some can only be managed better or worse, and certainly not through indiscriminate blood-letting'. There is a lesson to be taken by Pakistan too in this regard.
Certainly if we take a step to punish Pakistan for his deed by beheading
their soldiers,a war will start which is not in good for both the
countries.
Writer has contrasted his opinion in article. First he writes that India should stick to covert methods and then he writes "denying visas to elderly Pakistanis or stopping hockey players from participating in Indian tournaments" are not proper ways. These are covert methods and if writer advises not to follow even these steps then it is writer's over optimism towards Pakistan. Looking at history such over optimism is doomed to fail.
A very good and strong opinion expressed boldly at the right juncture. I was wondering why no one is responding to the call for blood by Sushama and other national leaders. It is true that everyone should feel heartfelt sympathy and emotions to the family of the killed soldiers and should condemn the brutal act by the Pakistan army. But at the same time we should think about the real issue. It's about the lives of the real occupants of the villages near LoC, about the men who serve the armies in both sides, and the fate of the paradise on earth. For the leaders it may seem a prestige issue, but can Sushama ensure there wont be any more Indian soldier death if they go for retaliation by beheading 10 Pakistani soldiers (and one should not forget the image of the wife of the martyr, and doing such retaliation will create 10 such images on the other side too..) ? Always feel right to express views. I strongly support your courage to write such bold article at the right time.
I think Hindu is missing the central point of Inhuman Act by Pakistan
army by trying to reason out that bunker construction started this
and so we are also responsible for it.
Armies of both countries have been involved in cease fire violation,
and its true that one side can not be held solely responsible for it.
And if we take into consideration the construction along LOC by us,
we are also responsible for these confrontrations in past few months.
But we cant ignore the fact that our army is doing a tough job of
stopping infiltration along the border and when a loophole was
sighted, these measures were needed.
Also, Pakistani army had been violating the cease-fire to help
infiltrators cross LOC, so its not right to singularly point at
bunker construction as reason for latest trouble along LOC, they were
happening in past and they would have continued, construction or no
construction. And now by this Inhuman act of beheading, Pak Army has
crossed all lines of humanity.
"Not every malaise has a cure" Exactly! But is in our best interest to
be alert of all the malaise that surrounds us and try to nip the
deadliest of those in the bud. Being offensive can only make things
worse, but we must not allow ourselves to be taken for granted. Rather
we should pursue other methods such as International pressure,
economic blockade and severing diplomatic ties with them. These
methods have the potential to send the message loud and clear across
all the sections of their society and not just across the mischievous
ones. The good people in their country ought to be awakened and
empowered to build internal pressure on military and the proponents of
the proxy war and must be brought to task by their own countrymen.
This is only possible when we acknowledge the existence of this
malaise and take strategic long term measures towards eliminating and
mitigating such threats.
A well written article showing clearly that we will be falling into
the trap set by the Pakistan Military. Let us view this in the
context of Pakistan's internal situation. There is a challenge by
Quadri for the Government to immediately quit the office and order
elections. There are serious rumours that this is backed by the
army. And, if we thought the Indian Government is corrupt and
insensitive, just peep across the fence; Pakistan is in total mess.
This is not the first time that,everytime the government in power
gets into trouble, the border dispute across Kashmir flares up . It
is clear that in the current situation, either or both parties are
trying to divert the attention of the public from the internal
troubles. It could be the Pakistan army or the terrorists or who
knows. The more dramatic the problem in the border, the easier it is
for those behind these moves to divert the attention of the public
from their internal issues.
The editorial pinpoints the need of the hour that is restraint.
Nothing will be gained out of a war between the two countries. It
will further aggravate the sensitive situation in the region and
hamper the progress of the two nations resulting in more troubles
for the innocent people. Peace at any cost is the need of this
time. It is obvious there are certain interests who never want
peace to be maintained between the two nations. This incident
appears to be a conspiracy of such agencies who are dreaming to
reap crops out of creating tension between the two nations! it will
be wise to keep our nerves under control at this very moment! That
will only result in the lasting peace!
Dear Sir,
It seems that your "gains and Loss" theory has not counted countless lives of Indian citizen that died due to several cowardly terror attacks (that increased after 2003), what other measures do we have since Pakistan always maintains that there are Non-state actors involved in the violence with us, it is due to this incidence we might not see another terror attack in the next 6 month or till another scam gets exposed.
last thing don't you feel World is safer without Bin Laden and Hafiz Saeed ,US has realized that long ago its high time that we Indians realize it
What a waste of precious editorial page space. India has been always at
the receiving end of the flawed policies of Pakistan Army and
Government. She has always found apologies for the errant behavior of
Pakistan. Despite evidence of its wrong doing, Pakistan continues to
behave in an uncivilized barbaric manner and continues to commit crimes
against humanity. And you write supporting them? How appalling.
The one thing that i do not agree about this editorial is the naysaying on hockey team sent back. While this sees it as a spolit-child behaoviour, i see it as a message to Pak and the entire world that we care. How else do we react? How are we expected to play a friendly sport after what has happened. Remember, as children or adults we can play/work with only people who we are friends with. What the editorial here is suggesting is that a supposed friend of mine of maiming my loved ones, but when he calls me to play a game of chess i do so sportingly. Also when are asking who cast the first stone, what are you refering to? the heinous crime! Let that be the reference point here and nothing else. Let's not dilute the subject. I don't like things overplayed between the 2 countries with the way things are as is. But this editorial is way underplaying the situation which is not ok by me as well.
Where have the high standards of editorial content & very objective reporting in The Hindu of yesteryears gone? While no sane person would support an open & all out war, except as a last resort, most woudl agree that some amount of firm response is needed to tackle the kind of open defiance the Pak army/govt show to India. HAven't we learnt enough that soft-handling and applying "international pressure" on the rogue elements do not result in any results. Why are we forgetting that years of "talks" & "peace initiatives" with this wonderful neighbour have always been responded with acts that hurt the Indian peace. So, what use are these "talks"? I have friends on the other side of the border and what I can clearly see is that the adminstration of the country is succeeding in feeding the hitherto peace loving majority of Pakistani youth propaganda that show India as the first enemy. Stop advocating the line of thinking as in this editorial, for peace's sake!
This editorial is indeed logically bankrupt.It just analyses one side of the coin.This is not expected from a newspaper which has maintained its high standards in reasons and analysis.Further,it has to be understood that there can not be any friendship with a terrorist state like Pakistan.Mr.editor when you express these views did u consider the fact that there are a number of active terrorist camps in Pakistan;where the trainees are ready to strike us any day.A nation must assert its sovereignty as the situation may require using adequate expressions.Failing to do so will impose a threat on the nation.Remember these assaults were never an issue in late 80's.But they are quite common these days just because our expression has been dull and stupid.This is because some Indians still think that kashmir and other border issues can be solved through UN and mutual dialogues.Remember UN has no interest in solving it and dialogues are for court jesters.This time the armed forces need justice.
The policy of pressurizing and isolating Pak for returning the dreaded terrorist master-mind behind serial bomb-blasts at Mumbai and behind the 26/11 dasterdly attack by the gang of ten of which Kasab was a junior member has been declared by GOI with the backing of Indian parliament. GOI over the years have reversed this policy by taking conciliatory steps at every juncture w/o any tangible results at any time; in fact there is escelation of skirmishes from Pak at LOC. The article does not suggest any remedy to this sitiation other than parroting the mantra of restraint regime. It sounds effete and banal.
As usual,meek response to violent situation. Since Independence, this
sort of thought process has made India unsafe and insecure. How many
times we will buy peace ? We are not making treaties but we are buying
peace at a price. This is will not ensure lasting peace. When we dealing
with fundamental countries, there is no need for any soft touch.
Excellent Editorial. This was echoed by a top brass military officer, yesterday in a TV show, that the soliders know how to douse the tempers and lower the temperature along LOC. there are set protocols and procedures to it. It is only New delhi and Islamabad, who need to cool down to bring down the temperature.
Now it is clearly a question, of our word against theirs.
Mani shankar aiyar also brought out a point that it is not correct on our part to deride what they say and pretend as though truth is our prerogative alone. BJP is playing a dirty game in embarrassing the govt on this issue. A spokesman from BJP went to the extent of criticising(rather unncessarily) a senior pak journalist on the show yesterday and ridiculing the so called civilian voices on the other side.
The Editorial has not touched on an important issue that of pak offer for a probe under UN supervision. why we did not accept it?
The situation at the LOC should have been left to the Army to deal
with and I certainly do not mean war or ten for one beheadings. These
issues should have been sorted out by the Brigadier level meetings and
other Army level talks.
The media and the political class have been extremely irresponsible
with this situation.The Hindu has been a noteworthy exception
Peace , understanding is not an one sided approach, it can't be
achieved unless at least partially requited. Even a recalcitrant
brother needs to be chastened let alone an extremely fanatic,
terrorist patronizing neighbor. Instead of taking discerning but
unfaltering steps to alienate pakistan in international arena &
setting free the armed forces to settle the score, the govt think tank
is cerebrating over how to stage-manage regional parties to retain the
throne. This is not the first time the body of men in uniform has
brazenly been dishonored & govt done nothing & its a national shame
that father of one of the mutilated martyr (Capt Sourav Kalia) has to
raise voice to get justice. If the Govt continues to test the
patience of the soldiers then the second portion of the phrase "
GERMAN GENERALS & INDIAN JAWANS CANT BE DEFEATED " will get its place
into oblivion & the glorious fairy-tale of Major Shaitan Singh & his
brave-hearts would practically be a story rather than reality.
I am getting an adrenaline rush watching the hyper charged panelists and hyper hyper charged anchors. There is no hope for objective discussions with anchors like Arnab Goswami pours out unreasonable arguments and insults those who talks against his nationalistic pretense.
A very timid editorial showing no strong back bone. No fun in reciting mantra on a donkey's ear. Indeed it is time to act on our choice of place and time. Yes we may take some hit but we can change the Geography of Pakistan. Let us act
It is very easy to preach than practice. While no one wants war, the
editorial doesn't give even a single point of merit as to what should
be done. All was well on the borders till now. Why the sudden tension
when Pakistan is about to go in for General elections? If they're so
immature that they are jeopardising the peace process to divert
attention from local issues then India has to take strong measures. We
can't allow our soldiers to shed blood because Pakistan can't solve
its problems.We can't befriend someone who doesn't want friendship.
This has been proved time and again. A bare minimum contact is more
than enough. We don't want back-stabbers in our home. What is the use
of playing or singing together when there is no genuine concern?
Sensible editorial. While the politicians and the TV anchors baying
for blood are eager for TRPs, they are far away from the bullets that
have killed many an innocent soldier. It has become common among us in
India to gloat in a smug manner over the failings of the Pakistani state. As a mature democracy we require a more mature response than merely cancelling visas for senior citizens and kicking out sports teams. Negotiating with a failing state poses monumental challenges, but from the vantage that our nation possesses, we must make all efforts to ease tensions, protect our troops, and yes, if possible, bolster the Pakistani nation state from sinking into the abyss of chaos.
Pakistan has internal political problems, so divert attention rfrom
internal matters they usualy indulge in warmongering against India. this
time is no different. Our public should exercise restraint, and let
government find a solution peacefully. Ignoring Pakistan at diplomatic
and cultural levels can be effective policy. More we engage with them,
more we get hurt by their actions.
These is an eye opener editorial, and it is not the time to show jingoism.
We have to think seriously that why every time we'd link the sport, cultural & spiritual activity with the border tension and terrorism.
It is confounding to understand the "logic" (if there is any) behind this editorial. Forget logic, is it even in a constructive direction to find a solution to anything. Increasingly on India-Pakistan issue The Hindu's views smack of utopian ideology with little basis in on ground scenario. It is not about who started it first or understanding four theorems to say hence proved. It is not us who behave like a spoilt child! Strategy also needs to be overt rather than covert if need be. And if a "spoilt child" doesn't understand message of peace it has to be taught through other means. It is not armed war that we can talk about but also socio-economic measures. Everyone knows a destabilised neighbour is no good so stop preaching us about it. Every now and then it's important to let the neighbour know where the fence is.
Nobody wants war but the real gains the author talks about is only 26/11,parliament attack and any number of terror strikes during the regime of Shivraj Patil as the home minister.All that is required is to give the Army a free hand to deal these tactical skirmishes at the batallion level.Then nobody will dare to enter the LOC,leave alone killing and engaging in the barbaric acts.
Sushma Swaraj's party has been in power and has demonstrated how it acted when Indian parliament was attacked. Now Ms.Swaraj wants heads of 10 Pakistani soldiers. Well, she should ensure that it is done without losing any more Indian lives. A win-win proposal would be that Ms.Swaraj carries out the task personally.
Any sane politician/person should think in the lines of this
editorial. There is no use of rhetoric. In a full scale war both the
countries will suffer greater losses, India more so. Is Indian Army
innocent? I don't think so. These things do happen at a border which
is always on the edge. For jawans, it is the risk associated with the
duty. I am not saying what happened is correct, but trying to say
these things do happen. If we go to war, many lives will be lost and
economically both countries will suffer. Only gainers are gun-runners
like USA, Russia , Isreal, France and probably China. They happily
sell equipment to fight and make their money and fighting countries
invite their own death.
With due respect to the editors of this newspaper, this piece appears ludicrous in it's assessment of no-choice in Indian options to deal with Pakistan. The authors should read deeper into history and understand that in each of the last 5 decades India has fought a war with Pakistan barring thee 2 in which either the soviets or americans were in Afghanistan. The impending US exit from Afghanistan is going to see a huge scale up of tensions between India-Pak, and an exponential rise in terror attacks upon India. Our need is not to preach peace and humanity, but to make some cold decisions on strategic policy to secure our own safety (forget "interests").
May be this article may appear very sensible and sane.But seriously
India need to take some very strict actions becoz our hostile
neighbours needs this.Ofcurse This small steps will not have much
effect but will definitley give them message to them that india will
not tolerate such type of things further.I totally support this.This
extreme barbaric inhuman act was done from someone across the border
and they are questionable.Noboby is in favour of war at all.India has
already faced lots of them.Culture,politics,arts,sports cant be
seperated not at the cost of lives of our soldiers no matter how many
of them.Both countries know aftereffects of war if it will happen and
nuclear confrontation will have the most horrific of it.This time
india is just little hostile and it must be.and i hope this little
hostilities will not convert into war.WHY to care what opposition is
saying.though i dont agree with third but other propositions given by
the editors seems correct.
Sir,
The aspiring PM candidate, Sushma Swaraj should not have played to the gallery at this time as her Taliban type statements will not win any more friends than those she already has. Pakistan suffers much more than what India suffers due to their terrorists who occassionally train their guns to their very parents. They also try to divert the attention of their people by racheting up the anti India propaganda which has the popular backing in Pakistan.
While the anger in our heart, is totally justified,every anger need
not result into retaliation.We must understand the conspiracy to
worsen the relation between India and Pakistan.Yes,we must respond- by
letting the world know the barbarism of Pakistan.War cannot be a
solution.We are angry with the beheading of two soldiers,just think
about the number of women who were forced to wear white clothes for
the rest of life after Kargil war.Just think how much time it will
take for us to overcome the effect of war.
Hope is a good thing,perhaps one of the greatest things which
we must have.If Osama bin laden can be killed,if Libya can have
democracy,there can be peace between India and Pakistan.It just
requires maturity that we have,co-operation that is in our culture,and
patience the key to success.
Everybody acknowledges and understands that it will be highly immature to wage
war against pakistan for the events happened last fortnight. However, the grief and loss of those families can never be understood by us. It is very convenient for us, standing on the other side, to convince everybody on not following the war-path but putting ourselves in the situation of a beheaded family member will certainly change the so called "mature response".
Escalation of tensions will only result in more loss of Indian soldiers' lives -- nobody is saying that we must keep quiet, but we must explore other intelligent deterrent options against Pakistan even as we also look at our own action of building bunkers on LoC against the principles of Ceasefire Agreement. And we in India need to remember that Pakistani Generals care little about their own soldiers getting killed, so we will see a useless bloodshed if tensions escalate -- Pakistani Generals are only worried about retaining Power in their country.
While it can be accepted that in the last march india protested
against the construction of bunkers along the LOC & similarly pakistan
is not happy with constructions by Indian side, but this does not in
any case justified the brutal killing of indian soldiers against
humanity & international war codes. Also It is not advisable to break
all the ties & stop progress made by the two sides in past, but at the
same time india can not compromise on the securities issues such as
visa free travel for senior citzaens given the past record of pakistan
in misusing them. In the end it is important for india to maintain
motivation level of its troops to maintain any kind of restrain to
seek peaceful solution rather than swayed away in blood revenge
rhetoric, for that it is neccessary to give protest signals in the
form of severing cultuaral or sports relation for a time being untill
pakistan clear its stand on the issue.
This is an extremely amateur editorial, absolutely disappointed to see this on The Hindu. We returned all the 93,000 prisoners of war during the Bangladesh campaign. Talks cannot be held with these things that exist on the other side of the border.
The problem with you Mr Editor is that you are part of the 'armchair
strategists' club' of India whose member strength exceeds millions.
The same problem is going on for 60 years and the so called solutions
you suggest are old and jaded, utterly useless.
In international diplomacy, Strength Respects Strength and you have to
show that kind of strength which your opponent understands fully. If
army generals call the shots in Pak, they respect only one kind of
strength, that is why they kept their tail between their legs when the
US took out Bin Laden from under their noses.
So, India, with its enormous industrial base and economic strength,
must develop overwhelming surgical strike capability not for regularly
using it but to make Pak generals comprehend the consequences of their
actions, if any.
You people sitting in cities have not seen the borders, but are free
to comment as you like.
Mr Editor, will you send your son/daughter to become a proud Indian
Army infantry officer?
Excellent piece! We should not let these war mongers corrupt the minds of masses. The act
of few shouldn't increase pain and trouble for millions. Such incidents are hurdles on the path
to peace which billions irrespective of the borders crave for. Lets not go back where we
started from. Give peace another chance!
India & Pakistan both gained independence at the same time. However India has comfortably moved ahead of Pakistan in terms of economy, world stature etc. India is a huge market for the western as well as chinese/japanese goods & is a respectable trading partner for all of them. India has built itself a reputation of a emerging economy of the 21st century along with China. Now on the other hand, Pakistan has been used by the western world as a pawn in the fight against the USSR. Westerners used the 'jihad' concept cleverly to incite the Islamic world & Pakistan against USSR. Since then, Pakistan has not been able to stand firmly on it's feet & has gone back 30 years. Now that Pakistan has understood this, it wants to bring India to the same level as it is & hence coming up with new tactics to bring India into a state of war with it. I hope everyone understands these tactics & the response to such hatred from the Pakistan side has to keep in mind these facts.
when somebody is screaming with their lungs out that " i hate u" , how
come v dont get the message. peace with pakis is an illusion not worth
running after. ur article sucks.
Yes Mr.Varadarajan , real gains have been made since 2003.26/11 is probably the biggest gain and I am sure Sharm Ek Sheik joint statement is another gain.Fake Indian currency being pumped into our country like never before is one more real gain.
We need to silently turn the other cheek after the soldiers have been beheaded and mutilated.Let us focus on the real gains.
We must separate the Pakistani army from the civilians and the government of Pakistan. We need to be tactful in not helping the Pakistani army shore up its lost support. The arrest of the PM, the propping up of Qadri, stirring up of trouble along the LoC are being orchestrated with an eye on the March general elections. But the GoI must do everything to make the Pakistani army pay. The PM must make a mention of this barbaric act during his speech at the UN. Any arms sale to Pakistan by a third country should attract suitable economic costs to the country selling it. Each ceasefire violation must be paid back several fold, but as the Army chief said, at a time and place of our choosing. Build institutional memory and pay the Pakistani army back with interest while building pro-India leverage within the civil society.
It is not wise for India to think that there will ever be peace with Pakistan, they have proven there insincerity time and again. So India should stop chasing this mirage of 'Normal Relationship' with Pakistan. Infact, we should withdraw the 'Most favoured nation' status and hunker down.
What is the use of talking if all that is achieved is the promise of more talking without any effective action on the ground.They have been doing pretty much what they have wanted to inspite of all the talking that we have engaged in.While it is true that the generals are rachetting up the confrontation on their eastern front to avoid a confrontation on their western front which is against their strategic interests.India should adopt effective non traceable covert action strategies which will enable us to immobilise trouble makers across the border without them being traced to us.
If India opt for war it has everything to lose.Pakistan has nothing to
lose as it is already in a miserable condition. the strength of our
country lies in finding options to help our neighbor that is already in
crisis
It is disappointing to read the Editorial of THE HINDU. It is not only insensitive but does not spell out concrete set of actions that could prevent its recuurence. Instead it talks of 'managing' a rougue neighbour who spills Indian blood and 'heads' at will without any sense of fear or accountability. Rubbing salt into our wounds is its flat denial strategy which makes a mockery of common sense, besides arousing uncontroller anger in Indian psyche.
THE HINDU's list of 4 options in this Editorial makes the readers of this esteemed Newspaper fume with anger. When the Editorial says India has no option to war, is it also not true for the other side and inspite of knowing it are they not indulging in such barbarism? India's soft approach towards Pakistan, partly guided by influential newspapers such as yours ,which is thought of as reflecting people's views by the Establishment, is the main reason for Pakistan's repeated acts of brinkmanship.
This editorial is the only sane appraisal one has seen of the low grade conflict at the Indo-Pak border and the attacks in belligerent language by political and media
warmongers in our country against our neighbour. Unfortunately the UPA government seems to be getting swayed by the rhetoric of the opposition leaders and TV
commentators. Todays editorial succinctly drives home this point.
Excellent editorial. Pakistani army is a chronic disease and should be managed as such..with perseverance and tact, cos we cant afford for the treatment to be worse than the disease.
Curious. The editor sitting in Chennai is worried about BJP leaders talking from a TV Studio. Going by same logic , why are you sitting at a desk sitting at 2000 miles from Delhi and advising policy to politicians? Contest elections and show it in practice?
And the same bogey of not benefitting Indian interests blah blah. Any creature across the border should not be promoted unless they make their state accountable for beheading soldiers. Playing hockey isnt going to solve that either.
good editorial, keeping in mind the quagmire called Pakistan. But we need to do some thing so that Pakistan will not do these kind of decapitation which throws us back to medieval barbaric days. Not allowing a family proper grieving by mutilating the body is worst inhumane thing to be done. we have to do covert retribution so that they will not use these barbaric practices as a tactical strategy to provoke.
A very balanced editorial. Hope that better senses prevail on both
sides.
A very sensible article.
These warmongering politicians & generals -- on both sides of the border -- instigate soldiers to kill each other in the name of glory, honour and revenge. It is for people like them that war & misery continues on the face of the planet. To them war is a gargantuan business of billions of rupees, where the marketing tools are nationalism, honor, courage, gallantry, and emotions like anger, hate & vengeance, while the misery and suffering are faced by the families of the soldiers, innocent people living near the border, and the economy of the nations. What a shame!
But the shame also lies with a huge number of common people on both sides of the border that take war, death and misery of thousands of people as a game or a soap opera. They support and cheer one side, and boo the other side, as if it is a big cricket match!
Not allowing Pakistani hockey players to play in India or denying visas
to senior citizens are not very mature moves as shown by India. However,
critically observing Pakistan's constant denial of the barbaric act and
heinous nexus between its army and terrorist elements, it is high time
India approach the international community and put pressure on Pakistan
in all aspects. The current internal political scenario in Pakistan is
seeming to yield further instability to its establishments and India
should cash in the situation. War is definitely not an option.
As it is good for longer-run, strategic insights often neutralizes other practical and viable alternatives which are for more important at current period. The Pakistan behavior in the past and now has been conscious over such Indian strategic insights. Hence, gaining momentarily benefit. A fragile country like Pakistan need such momentarily victory, therefore will not mind for demonical act. Editorial board has rightly pointed out the other potential fallout hence indirectly restraining TV studios (located at a safe distance from the nearest bullet) and BJP (trying hard to make sure that Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party should not seize this matter too, and making BJP relevant not any more). Having said, I wonder where those advocates of “people to people contact” Culture, why no noise heard from Pakistan civil society?
In 1962 Nehru committed a mistake by taking up to the ante against China because of
the pressure from young M.P's in the parliament[vajpayee etc] finally it resulted in the
loss of many soldiers and a huge economic burden on our country.
The electronic media will be happy with a war which will give them a month long
coverage and they like to incite anger among the people.Well it looks like Manmoham Singh for whom I have a great respect is also falling in the same line to commit a mistake by trying to impress the people by making such statements.
It is very easy for us to say that we will go for a war as we are sitting at home in front of laptops and lcd screens and to think that some soldiers will go and fight the war.Without any second thought we can say that we are a powerful army than pak albeit a war will result in a loss of thousands of soldiers,if our parents or relatives r in the battle field it will make us to think on real lines.
we are a matured democracy and should be responsible.
1. It is not about war but putting pressure on Pakistan. International Law offers various options short of war to do this.
2. Stopping interactions is one such pressure tactic and to arrogantly dismiss this as the behavior of a "spoilt child" is to do a disservice to the dignity of a state and its citizens. The behavior of Pakistan hasn't been one that encourages CBMs. Further, to keep quiet and take no action when slighted encourages more such acts and shows how indifferent is the government to the lives and dignity of its soldiers. 3. While we may be guilty of building bunkers along LoC, it is not okay for Pakistan to kill Indian soldiers and then collect them as human trophies. This is against the law of war and this is certainly against whatever peace time conditions we are living in. Peace measures don't work in isolation to political realities and won't work when one side doesn't seem committed to it. It will definitely not work when we don't know who in Pak we need to deal with
If we want to know why Pakistan seems headed for failed-state status, we should look at its military. Close examination of the evidence will prove that most of the social malignancies ravaging Pakistan are caused by the military’s inordinate role — to put it simply, Pakistan is not a state with an army, it is a military that owns a state and does with it as it pleases. From the very beginning, it has raised the Islamic banner as its primary source of legitimacy. No surprise, then, that it has always considered radical Islam and outfits like the Taliban and the Deobandi extremists its allies and secular Pakistanis and democracy its enemies.
Consider the scandal currently shaking Pakistani politics known as “memogate.” The memo in question, which is almost certainly a forgery, was reportedly authored by Pakistani ambassador to Washington Hussein Haqqani, and asked for American assistance in strengthening Pakistani democracy and civilian rule against unnamed adversaries.
Iam always very fond of reading editorial.I am realy Impresed of the style of editorial which gives in The Hindu.This editorial is very praiseworthy.
As rightly pointed out India should not walk into the trap laid by the Pakistani military establishment. Befitting a mature democracy India and its political leaders should refrain from jingoism. Combined with the turmoil in Pakistan political firmament, the jingoistic response from our side may be exploited by the military establishment to usurp power in the beleaguered nation state of Pakistan, which would portend threat to the stability of the region. One cannot rule out use of nuclear weapons if hostilities were escalated. As rightly stated in the editorial restraint at LOC is the dire need of the hour.
Yes it is right that war does not give any thing but such kind of barbarism of Pakistan army on the side line of developing bilateral relation between both countries is not acceptable. I am not in favor of war but almost all relation should be stop here. There is no more relation we (public) want...
After every incident where Indian blood has been shed, either that of innocents in bomb blasts or on the border, we have persisted with the dogmatic notion that talking is better then fighting. This has lead Pakistan to believe that their mischief would have no consequences. It is high time we disabuse them of this notion and make them realize that Indian lives are not cheap. This can happen only with a quick and punitive strike.
what you say - "denying visas to elderly Pakistanis or stopping hockey players from participating in Indian tournaments will not make our borders or our civilians safer" - may be true. But it will certainly reduce the if not completely stop these barbaric acts.Indians have to exert pressure on both Pakistani Military and Civilian esabalishments every which way possible to make them understand of the consequences of their reprehensible behaviour.
Bingo! Respected Sir, your edit is timely and clear. I have very low
regard for the TV Media. They unnecessarily hype up things.
Unfortunately, picking up a Newspaper, picking up the right article in it and pondering over its contents are time and energy intensive, in the current day context.
It is easier to switch on the idiot box and be bombarded with the utterances of all and sundry, manipulated overtly by a hysterical anchor. You don't have to actually be in front of the TV set to be corrupted.
Thank you sir, for enabling us some see some light (not that life is a huge tunnel, but the invasive TV would not let us think otherwise).
Yes,this is true that we should manage our relation with Pakistan,But such type of barbaric act must be strongly condemned.We have to react strongly on such incident.We are not a coward state.Aggression should come out ,otherwise it is more dangerous.
Pls refrain from writing such ludicrous articles. Do not trivialize the anguish and pain of the
nation by calling it jingoism. Your idea on increasing covert action is ineffective if it is not coupled by assertive overt action on the border. Saying that not every malaise has a cure is defeatist in nature. Your claim of great improvement in bilateral ties is hollow.
A very balanced and rational review, assessment and advice. Will the people and the
media who are baying listen. They have their agendas. Politicians want to create a political ambience for the 2014 elections. People need to realise that giving power in their hands would land this country in an situation that will erode that has been
achieved over recent years, both domestically and Internationally. There are several more on the sidelines who are watching the developments with eager anticipation to gain politically - also in pursuit of power. There are several agencies around the world who hope that the progress and influence that India has gained in recent years can be wiped out. There is a global game as much as a local game going on. Will we wake up and stop it before it gets too late. We cannot be WARMONGERS. As far as the TV channels are concerned, their motives on the surface might be TRP but deep down they are possibly playing a political role. Who will expose them?
Thought writer has pointed very aptly the questions of sending back Pakistani player back and postponement of visa arrival but sadly he failed to take a holistic view on this . This is not the first instance of Indian soldier being killed by Pakistani soldier. Nonetheless the way in which Indian soldier were killed, shook the whole nation . A raid on the post and beheading and taking back the head of soldier as trophy could only be condemned, . Writer has deplored the act but fail to account the emotion and anger that soldier have at borders . As whole nation is in agony and filled with anger especially by the way their body is mutilated. Nation has to act strongly and has to show the rapport for army which should not feel to be alienated on this issue. Such small measures are far more effective in maintaining peace than ceding to demands from certain section in army from LOC to go for retaliation which could have far more consequence . These act as pressure relieving for both side
dear editor,
its very true that war is and can never be the answer for any solution
for any disputes but at the same time a controlled response should
never be ruled out.Indian democracy of which we are so proud of is being ridiculed in the world of being soft on all matters. Israel went to war with Lebanon when one of her soldiers was taken hostage.Are we that scared of Pakistan because of its nuclear weapons that we are ready to bend backwards to all its acts of aggression??Isnt aiding terrorist infiltration to our side of border an act of ceasfire violation which the pakistan has been resorting ever since 2003??Are
the life of soldiers expendable for the cost of peace??
A controlled response at time and place of our own choosing is very essential to send a stern message to all our hostile neighbours that we are not the one to be messed with.
Well-reasoned editorial. Some political parties react unreasonably and
illogically with an ulterior motive. States must behave impassionately.
I don't agree completely. While war is not an option, the other thing s mentioned like Pakistan hockey team & women cricket team playing here should definitely be an option and should be stopped. The problem with India is that we have these type of people, like the one who wrote this article at all levels of politics & bureaucracy, who want's peace with a monster. It's time these idiots understood that there can be and will be no peace. It have been like this for more than 60 years & it'll be like this for decades to come. We have to make strong decisions.
I am shocked at your analysis. I can not fathom the analysis that we continue playing with pakistanis when editor himself has admitted that pakistani general is busy disturbing the peace process. as long as pakistan do not have stable government, we can not hope to have peaceful realtions with it. any pakistan government which has good relation with India,can not have peaceful government due to the fantatics and the blind followers of those fanatics. So it only serve purpose of india if we take firm stand against pakistan.
The death and beheading of indian soldier must be condemned in no uncertain words and surely not mincing words! Shame on The Hindu for trying to project that it is indian army that is irresponsible.
Agreed that we do not need to behead people as sushma swaraj suggests but we must put pressure on pakistan so that it desist from such inhuman brutal activities.
Even now Pakistan is carrying on with its never ending obsolete mind-
set! We all know better than a U.S diplomat that Pakistan had seen and
continue to see any terrorist outfit sheltered in its soil as a future
strategic power against its “mortal enemy”. Thus India will continue
to be in the perennial security issue which is entwined with Pakistan,
the epic-centre of the terrorism in the world. The report of The Pentagon documents did expose and establish scandalous episodes on the role of Pak- ISI with Taliban to annihilate U.S forces in Afghanistan! U.S have been struggling to influence Pakistan so as to reregulate the mindset of those at the helms of
affairs in the Pakistan regime a very fundamental way and re-wok
strategies to defeat Terrorists in Afghanistan. Will U.S feels
Culpability to India, the Victim of Terror from Pak-ISI? Repeatedly
U.S State Department had openly announced on threats to India stating
that Delhi too was receiving volumes of such credible intelligence.
India has never waged a self-motivated battle with any country rather
has always been on defensive.Our military creed of 'No first use but
credible second strike capability' has never faltered.Five times ceasefire violations by Pakistan since the flag meeting & still no retaliation by Indian army shows calibrated & mature response,not baying for blood.Pakistan has again loomed into crisis.Hasty retaliation can provide pretext to anti-Indian establishments in Pakistan including its military.
Your pacifist, insipid editorial says what we should not do and not a word as to what should be our response to the barbaric act. Showing the other cheek is fine to people who are civalised but not the motley crowd of political and military leaders of Pakistan whose aim in office seems to be to bait India. Hurt Pakistan in every sphere of engagement - sports, political, cultural, trade, education, health, communications etc. Once and for all let's put an end to this cat and mouse game.
Isreal avenges every drop of Isreali blood spilled by the terrorists. US has been in a war with Al-Queda and Taliban for the atrocities done to it's citizens.
And your editorial admonishes the people who want action by saying 'Stop Baying for blood'
Grow up and face your demons square on the face instead of hiding.
A well made point. Unfortunately PM seems to have become victim of the
relentless hate-Pakistan campaign that has been seen in media,
particularly electronic media. No one will gain anything out of war.
Neither the former generals who bay for blood, nor the self-appointed TV
anchors who speak 'on behalf of the nation'. The war-mongering must
stop.
If you or your son or your dad was the soldier who was beheaded, will
you write same article?
Your article does not address what should be done, only what should not
be. That is typical of many Indians, and very typical of Manhohan Singh
himself. If we keep our heads in the sand long enough, the problem will
go away. For every action there is a consequence. Like Nehru, before
1962, are you saying, "Whay have an Army, why have the police?" Are you
promoting inaction in the face of every possible provocation that
Pakistan has been dishing out? Are you saying we are at their level,
mutilating dead bodies, taking away heads as trophies? Goons and
bullies do not understand niceties and do not appreciate poems that you
may want to read out to them. Inaction and action both send out a
message. Choose wisely. We have an army for a purpose, they are not
there to sit idly by, when soldiers are decapitated. In addition, hit
the wallets of the Pakistan hockey federation, suspend cross border
trade, for 6 months for a start. 26/11 happened. What followed?
Dossiers were handed over. Result?
Nobody wants a full scale war, but pretending that we can have any kind of relationship
which will bring peace with Pakistan is a fool's folly!!! They very well know that they can get
away with such attacks. It should be made clear that the costs are high for them too in no
uncertain terms. So, if a call for 10 heads in lieu on 1 Indian patriot's head is what we should
be looking for. This is what India is calling upon their leaders to ACT, but they do a charade!
The stand of "the hindu" cannot be viewed as 'neutral' because from the day one where 2 indian soldiers were executed,it has published news to create an impression that both armies engage in same kind of practices like'beheading'.Now,first hindu argued that everything started with a widow moving across the border to PoK side.When MoD refuted this ,hindu said that they never mentioned it that it took place in 2012 while anyone who reads that article can clearly read between the lines that the author intents to say that the incident took place in 2012 itself.Trying to prove a story is right,if there are evidences to corroborate it.It will be totally unwise to actually write "according to unconfirmed sources' and then report a false story.We expect much higher standards from 'the hindu'.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's teaching are in fact the real ones which
goes nearly equal to the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Shri
Manmohan Singhji is a polite, educated & elderly gentleman. He knows
what is good for his people and so he made this remark and his stand his
such. We should try to understand his point of view though I personally
want an offensive war with Pakistan to wipe it out of the world map.
"The potential costs of war, and the risk of nuclear confrontation, far outweigh those of the low-grade conflict India now faces."
- Well said! Kudos to the author for asking Indians to accept 'low-grade conflicts' like the Mumbai massacre. It does not matter to the author if a few hundreds of Indians shed blood in such Pakistan instigated covert wars.
"This is the behaviour of a spoilt child, not a strategic actor."
- Well, the author is suggesting to accept Pakistan inflicted murders on Indians and this cowardly behaviour of our present Congress led regime is strangely considered by the author as the behaviour of a strategic actor.
This editorial piece is truly priceless.
Very positive suggestions.....but we should not forget that the so called ceasefire was violated more than 100 times last year....many of them in support for infiltration of terrorist....yet we are talking about peace with Pakistan...The current stance of Political and Military leaders of India is absolutely in sync with the reality..and correct....you can't expect peace unless there is some stable and powerful civilian government in Pakistan...Sadly, most of their decisions are based on their army's philosophy which is often anti-Indian...
The relationship between two nations should not occur at the cost of lives of soldiers...
At last some sense being made of the recent activities. Most of the Indian newspapers and news channels seem to think similar to what an average person think.There is no rationality in how they analyze the situation. In this regard Hindu is an exception
so what is your suggestion?
I disagree with your editorial views (January 16, 2013 - Stop baying
for blood) which ultimately state that this malaise has no cure. It
sort of implies that the cost for peace is intermittent violence in
this case. Without going into details of this particular incident, as
a policy India should take active consideration of all options
including tougher retaliation for unprovoked aggression by Pakistan.
You disagree with even softer actions like postponement of visa-free
travel for senior citizens and stopping hockey players from
participating in Indian tournaments. It doesn't need your editorial to
inform us that it will not make the borders safe. These actions might
impact common public but along with it it is hoped will bring public
pressure to reign in rogue elements in Pak Army.
The writer should try making these highly intellectual explanations to
the family members of Lance Naik Hemraj.
Despite repeated provocations from Paksitan, India's has shown remarkable restraint since Independence which has been interpreted as cowardice by that country. Successive Indian PM's have stretched the hand of friendship to that country but to no effect. War will be costly as you point out but then the country has to make Pakistan realise that it has a heavy price to pay for its misadventures. Your editorial does not say what needs to be done to prevent such attacks from Pakistan.
A couple of questions dear Editor:
a) " It is pointless to ask who cast the first stone." So if you ever become a judge you should hold the initiator and reactor to aggression to the same yard stick. You would argue it is better to give up to aggression and be counted noble ?
b) What advantages India gain by allowing hockey or visa for over 65 ? How does it stop terrorism from pakistan or aggression from its army ? Does it reduces the popularity of LeT or pakistanis stop giving them charity ? India does not become less safe if they are allowed, but why special treatment for pakis and not for every citizen of the world.
c) What gains have been made since 2003 ? Has there been a let up in terrorism from pakistani terrorist groups or aggression from pak army ?
d) What tangible gains India reaped from all the peace talks and overtures already implemented since it was started. Any article showing that would be really helpful and support your case.
Brilliant then Mr. Editor - what you are suggesting is that we keep tolerating this, all because we are not still not sure who cast the first stone.
Baying for blood is wrong on our part, but beheading our jawan is okay to be tolerated, Hina can pontificate about the "hostile" statement of Gen. Bikram Singh, on-the-payrolls-of-peaceniks-and-eternally-hoping-that-the-rogue-state-will-discipline-itself-if-we-continue-to-keep-showing-the-other-cheek optimists like Hindu / NDTV/CNN-IBN can continue to day-dream.
Let me see if Hindu is bold enough to publish an alternative opinion, like mine, to its Editor's !!
While acknowledging construction along the Line of Control by India does not itself invite the enemy to behead our soldiers. The Hindu unnecessarily invited a justification from Pakistan for their dastardly act by publishing uncorroborated stories of an old woman crossing the LOC. It is time we take National security seriously and show some caution before publishing such stories.
The same restriant was shown during Mumbai attacks and we see the consequences of no action from Pakistan side against the perpetrators, so is the Editorial asking India to just sit quiet so that so-called peace process continues to nowhere?
Excellent editorial. Nice to read sane views in such times. Keep it up!
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