Reasi and the Persistent Issue of Cross-Border Terrorism (GS Paper 3, Internal Security)
Introduction
- The recent attack in Reasi highlights the ongoing challenge of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
- For nearly 35 years, India has faced persistent terrorist threats, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
- New Delhi must sharpen its definition of what constitutes an "unacceptable" terror attack to effectively respond to Pakistan-backed terrorism.
Context
Continuing Challenge
- The possibility of the Reasi attack's links to terrorist groups in Pakistan is high, reflecting the ongoing terrorist incidents in the Jammu division.
- These incidents underscore the long-standing terrorist threat India has faced, particularly in J&K.
- Pakistan and separatists in J&K, inspired by the success of the Afghan Jihad, believed that Islamist groups could pressure India in Kashmir through uprisings, violence against minorities, and attacks on prominent personalities and security forces.
Historical Background
- In the late 1980s and early 1990s, both Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, as Pakistan's Prime Ministers, supported separatism in J&K, promoting terrorism through the army and intelligence agencies.
- The Indian state and its security forces took time to develop counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism approaches in response.
- Pakistan's political class and army remain committed to the "Kashmir cause," using terror to achieve their objectives.
India’s Diplomatic Approach
Simla Agreement
- Under the 1972 Simla Agreement, India committed to resolving the Kashmir issue peacefully. However, the agreement's constraints became void once Pakistan resorted to terrorism.
- Despite this, India chose diplomacy and dialogue, agreeing on a bilateral composite dialogue in September 1998.
- However, Pakistan's unwillingness to address India's concerns regarding terrorism became evident.
Public Opinion and Military Considerations
- Indian public opinion has often favored military action after significant terrorist attacks.
- For instance, the Indian government considered military action after the 2001 Parliament attack but refrained after assurances from Pakistan.
- However, Pakistan did not honor its commitments.
The Use of Pre-emption
Pulwama Attack and Balakot Strike
- India's departure from diplomacy occurred after the Pulwama attack in 2019, leading to the Balakot aerial strike and the announcement of a pre-emption doctrine.
- This doctrine allows India to target terrorist preparations in Pakistan before an attack. However, ambiguity remains on what constitutes an "unacceptable" terrorist attack.
Kargil Conflict
- India used its full military strength to defeat Pakistan's regular military intrusion in Kargil in 1999.
- This situation, while not fitting the terrorism rubric, demonstrated India's capability for sustained kinetic action.
Conclusion
- Following the Reasi attack, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need to address cross-border terrorism.
- He could start by highlighting to the international community that the first step on an escalatory ladder between nuclear countries is the use of terror.
- This approach could help curb Pakistani terrorism and promote a more definitive and proactive Indian response to future threats.
