Ceasefire Pact Welcomed However Cross Border Terror Needs To Be Watched
In a rare joint statement issued in Islamabad and New Delhi said the Director Generals of Military Operations of the two countries held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact and reviewed the situation along the LoC and all other sectors in a “free, frank and cordial” atmosphere. The agreement came into effect from the midnight of February 24/25.
This ceasefire agreement announced by India and Pakistan is a welcome as it will save lives on the IB and LOC and reduces violence. It will be given a chance but our Army and the Security Forces will keep a hawk like watch on the cross-border terrorism.
The agreement comes at the time of commencement of summer when there is a rise in infiltration bids and Cease Fire Violations. Hence it is surprising that Pakistan was eager for the Cease Fire.
Pakistan thought that the situation post August 2019 when the special provisions for the state under Article 370 were abrogated would deteriorate badly for India. So it tried to increase Cease Fire Violations to build both international and internal pressures but to no avail.
Next came the Wuhan Virus and the tourism scenario in J& K got virtually wiped out but still there was no “ ERRUPTION “ in the Valley in favour of Pakistan. It’s attempts to create unrest in Kashmir post August 2019 were just not been successful.
Then came Galwan and the stand off with China. This episode finally cleared the Chinese mind too which still had lingering doubts post Doklam, Maldives and even the Balakote strike. During the stand-off with China in eastern Ladakh, the Indian forces not only stood strong and did not back down but finally the Chinese had to pull back. This has shocked Pakistan no end.
Meanwhile diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan were hit after the withdrawal of the High Commissioners from both the countries. Also the declared stance of India that there would be no talks till Pakistan stops supporting terrorism has left the Pakistani establishment hanging in mid air, as there was no COMMUNICATION.
In this regard, the DGMO (Director Generals) level talk for the management of LoC to prevent escalation and help sort out things and issues related to civilians who live on both sides of the LoC was a good thing. However if Pakistan continues to push terrorists, then obviously the ceasefire agreement will not last.
Even at the international level, Pakistan’s attempts to raise the Kashmir issue at different fora have not yielded results and their ties with Saudi Arabia and UAE have also soured. Economically Pakistan has virtually become an economic slave of China.
Even the United States has welcomed the agreement, saying it is a positive step towards greater peace and stability in South Asia. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki also said at her daily news conference on Thursday that the Biden administration remains closely engaged with a range of leaders and officials in the region, including those in Pakistan.
However one thing is quite clear that USA must stop equating India with Pakistan and start dealing with India based on equality otherwise USA will be facing a very difficult position against China. It needs India as a friend ( not a camp followed) to take on China.
