Terror strike from PAK based terrorists on Uri Army base in Kashmir couple of days back is increasing pressure from all quarters on PM Modi led NDA government to act tough and hit hard on the terror camps in Pakistan. PM Modi held series of meetings with Home Minister Rajnath Singh,Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley,External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj,NIA advisor Ajith Dowal and top army brass.
Now many are wondering how India can avenge the death of 17 soldiers in the Uri terror attack. Indian Army released a statement that it will chose the place and time of attack. India already issued scathing statement in UNHRC against Pakistan raising Uri attack and also atrocities in Balochistan, Gilgit and Baltistan apart from Pakitan and how Pak is providing shelter to terrorists.
India has military and diplomatic options and Government is keeping all of them open. Modi gave nod to diplomatically isolate Pakistan at all international forums and also provide material evidence not to Pakistan but to the world nations. India can can send stern message to Pakistan by conducting cross-border raids against Pakistan and Army is already mounting pressure on government for the punitive strikes.
India can seal the borders to prevent infiltration after the embarrassment at Uri and Pathankot. Pakistan as usual will try to use winter season to step up infiltration. India can also carryout air strikes at the militant base of non-state actors in PoK and Bahawalpur. If government does give a nod for air raid against the Lashkar camps based in PoK, there is a huge possibility of collateral damage. But Pakistan can press N button in this eventuality.
Indian army can carry out a covert military option by entering into the enemy’s territory. The fundamental flaw with this suggestion is that unlike Myanmar which allowed Indian army regiment to launch an attack against NSCN-K cadres on its soil, Pakistan would provide no tacit support to a ‘foreign army’.
India can create naval blockage against Karachi which will send strong signal that New Delhi is eager to economically exhaust Pakistan. But this may be opposed by China which is still supporting Pakistan. India could press for sanctions against Pakistan for providing safe haven to extremist groups. New Delhi could also move to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), if it succeeds in establishing the fact the Pakistan is facilitating terror. As per United Nations resolution 1373, as accepted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, considerable action could be taken by the member nations against a state which provides safe haven to those who plan, finance, organize and coordinate terror and other extremist forms of violence.
Indian government will wiegh all options and its pros and cons before taking Pakistan to task. It is unlikely that PM Modi will let Pakistan off the hook as it will affect his credibility.
